Bombar-doh! Beer pump clip sparks bomb scare in Northwich

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A SUSPICIOUS package containing a Bombardier beer pump clip turned out to be not so ‘Bang On’ after sparking a bomb scare in Northwich.

Police were called to the Royal Mail sorting office on Meadow Street, Northwich on Tuesday, November 1 at 9.30am after staff raised concerns of a suspicious envelope.

The envelope had the words ‘Bomb’ written on it, sparking fears it contained an explosive device.

Bomb disposal experts later discovered the package contained a beer pump for Bombardier, known for its hilarious ‘Bang On' adverts fronted by the late comedian, Rik Mayall.

However Cheshire Police were not quite so amused, and gave the sender – a pub that has not been named – a word of warning.

Chief Insp Simon Meegan, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “The company has been contacted and advised about their choice of shorthand and the unintended consequences.

“In the circumstances a police response was required, but no disruption was caused to the wider community and the incident was promptly resolved with staff returning to work shortly afterwards.”

After being alerted of the potential threat, the package was taken to the nearby Matalan car park, which was closed off as bomb disposal experts examined the device.

Collette Kita-Oakes was parked on the car park only to return to find the bomb disposal team.

Writing on Facebook, she said: “I only nipped into town and parked at the bottom of Matalan car park.

“When I came back there were four policeman around my car and only one other car parked next to mine.

“I asked if everything was ok and they said yes love but if you could move your car just in case. They have then bollarded the car park off as the bomb disposal team arrive.”

A Royal Mail spokesman confirmed it received a suspect package.

The spokesman said: "Royal Mail can confirm that a suspect package was found at Northwich Delivery Office on Tuesday morning (November 1).

“The safety of our people is of the utmost priority and in line with our policy and procedures, emergency services attended and the building was evacuated for a short time.

“The package was removed by police and our people returned to work. We apologise for any delay in receiving their mail.”

Charles Wells, the brewery that supplies Bombardier, was unavailable at the time of going to print.