Busy Friday: Portsmouth Market Square Bomb, Gun Threats; Car Meet Up

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Police in Portsmouth had a busy night on Friday dealing with a bomb scare and a car meet-up with hundreds of vehicles and people attending.

Police were first sent to the car meet-up on Woodbury Avenue. The department had been gathering intelligence for days about a potentially large turnout for the event and was concerned about public safety. Police said on Facebook that officers were in touch with the event organizer, and communication “was active.”

During the event, an estimated 600 cars and 1,000 to 1,500 people were in attendance.

“The goal of our agency was to ensure the safety of all participants, business owners, and spectators, which was done successfully,” police said on Facebook. “We realize there were some concerns about vehicles speeding and driving erratically, and we would like to make it clear that we made every attempt to enforce motor vehicle laws and safe operation of these vehicles.”

New Hampshire State Police, Rockingham County Sheriffs, and police from Greenland, New Castle, Newington, and Rye also assisted.

At around 10 p.m., police received a report about a person putting an explosive device in a trash can near North Church in Market Square. A gun threat was also reported.

Police “quickly and swiftly” arrived, moved people away, and set up a perimeter. Two K-9 units from the state police bomb squad were requested, and around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, after “multiple extensive sweeps,” police determined there was no explosive device in the receptacle. Police then cleared the area.

Police are investigating the bomb and gun threats. Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Seacoast Crime Stoppers with tips.

NEWS 603 posted videos of part of the car meet-up here:

And here:

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