Emergency services called to Wrexham Maelor due to 'suspicious package'

A large emergency services presence was seen at Wrexham Maelor Hospital with reports that people were not allowed in or out.

The hospital entrances were closed off and passersby said "all exits blocked off to hospital and now Watery Road and Tech Park."

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board urged people not to attend their planned appointments and to avoid the site.

A health board spokesman said a search was carried out following 'reports of a suspicious package'. 

They added: "We have worked with North Wales Police to carry out a search, which has now been completed. Access to the hospital is no longer restricted and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused."

CI Mark Williams said: "I would like to thank staff, patients and the public for their cooperation and patience following what appears to have been a hoax call to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

"Our priority throughout this afternoon’s incident was to ensure people were kept safe."

The hospital was not evacuated but movement was restricted whilst the investigation continued.

Incoming patients were re-routed to Chester and Rhyl whilst Wrexham Maelor remained locked down.

Sonia Thompson, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s interim assistant director of operations – ambulance response, said: “We are aware of an ongoing incident at Wrexham Maelor Hospital which is being managed by North Wales Police.

"Patients who would have normally travelled by ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital are being taken temporarily to the Countess of Chester Hospital or Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, and we’re working closely with our health board colleagues to ensure services continue to run smoothly until the incident is resolved.”