MYSTERY surrounds the cause of the Torbay Hospital lock-down last night (fri) amid suspicions the armed police response was sparked by a grenade threat.

Hospital and police chiefs are not revealing the reason for the emergency action taken other than to confirm they had reacted to an ‘incident’ involving a man in his 50s who had made a ‘serious’ threat against the hospital.

A search by armed police was made for the individual who was said to be in his 50s, about 6ft tall and with grey hair.

Both police and the hospital said the matter was resolved quickly, although neither explained how.

They would not comment on reports that a psychiatric patient may have been behind the drama after making claims he was armed with a grenade.

Nearly all exits and entrances to the Lawes Bridge complex in Torquay were shut off as the operation unfolded just before 6pm.

It’s understood just three points of entry to the hospital buildings were kept open throughout the panic – the main entrance, casualty department and Hetherington Unit.

Reports filtering through from staff suggested that the cause the major incident was a patient who claimed he was in possession of the explosive device.

There were unconfirmed revelations that the maternity unit may have been the object of the suspect’s discontent.

A Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust spokeswoman, said: ‘As a precaution there was a police presence at Torbay Hospital and, for a short time, access was limited.

‘However, access was reinstated very quickly and the hospital continued to operate as normal. We would like to thank our staff and visitors for their co-operation and can confirm the incident was stood down the same evening.’

She referred all other inquiries to police who said: ‘We received a call from a member of the public informing them that a male had made a threat towards Torbay Hospital.

‘The threat was treated seriously and Armed Response Officers were deployed to the hospital to search for a male described as 6ft tall with grey hair, aged in his 50s.

‘Torbay Hospital closed its doors to protect staff and customers for a short time whilst the threat was negated.’

The spokesman added: ‘Devon and Cornwall Police reassure the community that the incident has been dealt with and local officers are investigating the allegation.

‘Torbay Hospital has re-opened its doors and thanked Devon and Cornwall Police for their professionalism in this matter.’