The start of 2026 has seen a notable number of lockdowns, evacuations and security led incidents across the UK. From suspected gas leaks to threats and security alerts, a wide range of public spaces including schools, transport hubs, shopping centres and residential areas have been impacted.
January’s incidents highlight the continued importance of rapid response and clear communication across both public and private sectors.
Schools: Repeated Disruption and Precautionary Lockdowns
Educational settings were among the most affected locations in January, with several schools forced to evacuate or enter lockdown as a precaution.
Gas Leak prompts full school evacuation in London – Jan 26
A London school was evacuated following a reported gas leak, prompting emergency services to act quickly to ensure pupil safety.
Express – London School Pupils Evacuated
Bristol school evacuated after security alert – Jan 26
Winterbourne Academy in Bristol was evacuated after a security alert, causing temporary disruption while the situation was assessed.
Express – Bristol school security alert evacuation
Liverpool schools into lockdown after hoax threats – Jan 26
In Liverpool, multiple schools were placed into lockdown following hoax threats, underlining the strain false reports place on emergency services and school communities alike.
Express – Liverpool school placed in lockdown after hoax threats
Four schools in Southwell put in lockdown due to man on roof – Jan 16
In Southwell, four schools were locked down after reports of a man on a roof nearby, leading to an armed police response.
The Sun – Schools locked down after armed police swoop man on roof
Transport and Retail Spaces: Higher Footfall, Higher Risk
Busy public locations also experienced several evacuations this month.
T1 Manchester Airport evacuated after suspected gas leak – Jan 19
On 19 January, Manchester Airport Terminal 1 was evacuated following a suspected gas leak. Passengers and staff were moved out as emergency teams investigated, causing delays but prioritising safety.
Liverpool Echo – Manchester Airport T1 evacuated
Manchester Arndale evacuated – Jan 7
Earlier in the month, Manchester Arndale was evacuated after a security concern prompted police action.
Manchester Evening News – Arndale Evacuation
Swindon Shopping Centre Evacuation after explosion threat – Jan 20
In Swindon, Greenbridge Retail Park was cleared after an explosion threat, again demonstrating how retail environments remain vulnerable due to high public access.
Express – Swindon bomb squad swarms retail park
Wider Public Safety Incidents
Beyond schools and commercial spaces, several wider community lockdowns occurred.
Homes and streets locked down after threat in Glasgow – Jan 8
In Glasgow, homes and streets were placed into lockdown following a reported threat, with armed police deployed as a precaution.
Glasgow Live – Man charged armed police lockdown
Suspected Bomb found in Plymouth – Jan 15
Meanwhile, in Plymouth, a suspected bomb discovery led to cordons and specialist units attending the scene.
Mirror – Plymouth bomb site live
Although many incidents were resolved without injury or damage, the frequency of events highlights the growing need for reliable emergency communication systems. Even false alarms can cause disruption and uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of being able to communicate clearly and quickly.
