Police confirmed students and staff were ordered to evacuate the campus in Deane Road, Bolton, just before 12pm. Pictures from the scene show crowds of hundreds of pupils and staff members gathered outside amid the evacuation. 

Lessons have been cancelled for the day as police investigate. 

Bolton College principal Bill Webster told Bolton News: “We were alerted to an incident at 11.47am and evacuated the campus.

“Police are here and we are waiting for them to finish their routine checks and hopefully it will be a false alarm.

“Until then this campus will be closed, and we are encouraging pupils to go home if they can because of the cold.

“If you still have stuff in the college that you need to collect, please go somewhere warm to wait until campus has reopened.”

Bolton College posted on Twitter: “Due to an incident at College, we have vacated the main Deane Road Campus buildings.

Drivers have been advised they cannot drive down Stanley Street, located beside the college. 

“Classes have been cancelled for the remainder of the day, and for the rest of today.

“We will be open tomorrow as usual. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

Greater Manchester Police said investigations were ongoing. 

A spokesman for the force said: “At around 12noon today (Monday 9 March 2020) police received a report that a threat had been made towards Bolton College on Deane Road.

“The college was evacuated and will remain closed for the rest of the day.

“Officers are currently at the scene carrying out searches.”

Police said they have left the premises and students were able to return and collect their bags. 

Witnesses are urged to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1066 of 09/03/2020 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

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