A HOAX which led to thousands of teenagers being evacuated from the BIC this week is reported to have been shared via AirDrop.

As reported in the Daily Echo, police officers, fire crews and paramedics were sent to the venue in Exeter Road at 11.35am on Wednesday after a 'malicious communication' was sent to a number of people.

A careers and apprenticeship show was taking place at the BIC at the time of the threat.

​Officers, including armed police, cordoned off the building and shut roads around the town centre.

However, following a search of the BIC, nothing untoward was found and people were allowed back into the building.

The message is believed to have been sent to phones by AirDrop. The app allows the instant transfer of files among supported Apple devices, like iPhones and iPads, as long as the option is turned on.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said the threat is believed to be a hoax and an investigation is under way.

"We take hoaxes extremely seriously. They divert police resources and cause disruption and alarm to the public," the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson from the BIC said: "We thank the emergency services, our staff, the event organisers, visitors and public for their fast response and cooperation which resulted in a safe evacuation.

"As the circumstances around the incident are under investigation we will not be making any further comment."