Ref. 30826-2ARMY bomb squad experts were called to Swindon station yesterday after a suspect package sparked a mass evacuation, causing chaos on the rail network throughout the south west.

But when the package was blown up in a controlled explosion it was found to be a harmless package of French-style bowling balls, or boules.

Every building inside a 400m safety zone was evacuated after the case was discovered by a train manager in the guards' van of the 9.15am London to Bristol Temple Meads service, a few miles outside Swindon.

The alarm was raised at about 10.15am, and once the train arrived at platform four of Swindon station the case was inspected by transport police.

Passengers were ordered to leave the train and a full-scale evacuation of the station took place.

A 400m exclusion zone was established and the surrounding buildings evacuated.

Swindon police closed Bridge Street and directed traffic from Shepherd Street one way back in to Fleming Way.

Army bomb experts were called and at 12.25pm carried out a controlled explosion on the case using a remote-controlled robot.

Swindon's busy commercial district was brought to a standstill for three hours, until the exclusion zone was lifted at 1.15pm.

The first passengers at the station knew about the scare was when fire alarms went off and they were told to leave the building.

Alison Leighfield, who had arrived to collect her mother from the station, said: "We heard the announcement that everyone had to leave.

"It was done very calmly and there was no panic."

First Great Western staff, who were also forced to leave their office in Signal Point, mingled with passengers offering information and bottled water while they waited for the bomb-disposal soldiers to arrive.

Other companies affected by the alert were Zurich, Safestyle UK, and the GW Pub and Hotel. Council staff at Premier House were also evacuated.

Many passengers dispersed into the town centre or made other travel arrangements.

The atmosphere among the crowds waiting to be allowed back to work or on to the station was relaxed. Some officer workers passed the time enjoying the sunshine and making bets with each other over whether the suspect package contained ham or cheese sandwiches.

The rail network, which suffered widespread disruption, was not expected to return to normal until this morning.

The 10 trains an hour scheduled to pass through Swindon had to be re-routed for the duration of the alert.

First Great Western, which is investigating the incident, provided free buses to help passengers complete journeys.

The area of the front coach in which the case was discovered is sometimes used to hold passengers' bicycles, but is separate from the main part of the train. The investigation is likely to focus on CCTV recordings from stations as well as staff interviews.

Simon Lubin, spokesman for the British Transport Police, praised the train manager for reporting the package.

"This is something we ask rail staff to do because they know the rail system."

Tina Clarke

Andy Tate