Ref. 13958-4SCOTLAND Yard detectives are taking over the investigation into a bomb hoax at the Trowbridge offices of a national child welfare service.

The bomb threat was one of 90 similar hoaxes at offices of the Child and Family Court Advisory Service (CAFCASS) across the country.

A suspect package containing a plasticine-like substance was delivered to the service's British Row office on Thursday morning sparking a security alert.

Bomb squads were called to the scene while senior officers ordered an evacuation of nearby homes in Lower Court.

Ian McEleny was one resident evacuated from his home, joining neighbours in Timbrell Street waiting for the all clear. He said: "The police came and asked us to leave our homes as part of a possible bomb alert.

"It was all very calm, and while we were getting our things together they told the children to stay inside."

Det Sgt Andy Cross was one of the officers in charge of the police operation.

He said: "We believe similar packages have been found in other parts of the country."

Army bomb disposal experts arrived shortly before 4pm and after inspecting the package were tasked to another bomb threat in Southamp-ton, leaving Trowbridge with a police escort.

CAFCASS, part of the Lord Chancellor's office, is responsible for the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings.

Staff at CAFCASS said they had no idea who was responsible for the nationwide hoax campaign but condemned the act in light of the sensitive nature of their work.

A spokesman for CAFCASS said: "This is a criminal activity which puts our staff and the families and children who visit our offices at risk and, understandably causes them distress.

"Incidents such as this also get in the way of us providing an important service to families and children."

Officers from Scotland Yard will examine each of the suspect packages for clues in a bid to track down the hoaxer.