A man was found with a "gun" and "suspicious devices" outside St James's Hospital in Leeds this morning.
Around 5am on Friday morning, a 27-year-old man was arrested after a suspicious package was found outside of the Gledhow Wing, and patients and staff were evacuate. Counter Terrorism Policing North East have confirmed they are now leading the investigation and have confirmed the suspect was detained for questioning and remains in custody.
Officers continue to search the hospital and vehicles. The police, fire service, and army specialists have been at the scene since this morning. A cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure for public safety and areas of the hospital remain inaccessible at this time.
In an update on the St James's University Hospital website, people have been asked to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time. Access to the hospital will be through Alma Street - The Bexley Entrance - or Gledhow Road.
The emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise. People have been asked to avoid the cordon and make alternative routes to get into the hospital.
In an update around 4:15pm on Friday afternoon, a spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: "At approximately 5am this morning, a 27 year old man from Leeds was arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences, after being found in possession of a suspected firearm and a suspicious device in the hospital grounds. He was detained for questioning and remains in custody at this time.
"There is not believed to be any ongoing risk to public safety. A cordon remains in place as a precautionary measure, but has now been reduced to facilitate greater access to the hospital. Specialist teams continue to work at the scene.Searches of a vehicle and a number of premises are ongoing.
"Counter Terrorism Policing North East has now taken responsibility for leading this investigation. Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation. This is being treated as an isolated incident at this time.
"We ask that people continue to use alternative entrances to the hospital. The Emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise."
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