Security threat at the Universities at Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime

• Universities at Medway campus partially evacuated due to security alert
• Students and staff were told to leave the Drill Hall Library
• Police are on the scene and have sealed off roads within the campus
• The Canterbury campus was evacuated earlier today and yesterday¹²

The library at the Universities at Medway in Chatham Maritime were evacuated today following reports of a suspicious package.

Students and staff were evacuated from the Drill Hall Library and Pilkington Building around 2.30pm.

The library is used by students from the University of Kent, University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University.

The Drill Hall Library has been evacuated .

Picture: Alfie Tobutt

Alfie Tobutt, 19, a first year journalism student, was in the library when it was evacuated.

He said: A few police officers entered and apparently they were telling people to leave.

Just as I was about to leave the security guard came over the PA system and said get your stuff and get out the building .

Everyone left and we were just being pushed back further and further.

Staff at the NHS offices and Vanquis bank were told to stay inside and away from their windows.

A person who works in the offices, who did not wish to be named, said: The police came into our building asking everyone to stay away from windows and to draw the blinds due to the bomb scare.

We have also been advised that we are allowed to leave at the end of the shift, but if you want to go to the co-op or for a cigarette you are unable to do so.

A witness who works nearby, added: They re not letting anyone onto the campus either, even the employees with adequate identification.

University of Greenwich students were sent an email just before 5pm which said: The police have lowered the level of the threat to the Medway Campus but have advised staff and students to go home early.

We would like to thank you for your cooperation and patience in this matter.

The University of Kent said the library would remain closed until Thursday morning, at the earliest.

The police cordon at the campus .

Picture: Jason Stafford

The evacuation came just hours after the university s Canterbury campus was evacuated following a suspicious phonecall.

A university spokesman said: There is a security alert at our Medway campus . The police are in attendance.

A police spokesman said: We are currently at the university following information of a possible suspicious package . A cordon is currently in place .

We were called at 2.29pm on Wednesday, December 2.”

This is how the story unfolded:

References

1. ^{^} evacuated earlier today (www.kentonline.co.uk)
2. ^{^} yesterday (www.kentonline.co.uk)

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