21-01-23, 03:15
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Terror Alert at UK Hospital Man Arrested by Counter-Terror Police
Terror Alert at UK Hospital
Man, 27, held over security scare at Leeds maternity wing was arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences after he was found with 'suspicious device', counter-terror police say
BBC 21 JAN 2023
Cordon at St James's Hospital
A man arrested outside a Leeds hospital after a security scare was found with a suspected firearm and a suspicious device, counter terrorism police say.
The 27-year-old was detained following the discovery of a "suspicious package" outside St James's Hospital on Friday.
The incident had been brought to a "safe conclusion" and it was thought to be "isolated", officers added.
He is being held on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism acts.
The man was originally arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences but Counter Terrorism Policing North East later announced he had been re-arrested in connection with the new allegations.
A reduced cordon was still in place at the scene on Beckett Street near the hospital's Gledhow Wing on Friday evening as a "precautionary measure" as specialist teams continued to work, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said.
Officers were searching a vehicle and a number of properties in connection with their inquiries and there was "not believed to be any ongoing risk to public safety", they added.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East said its officers were working with Army specialists "to make an assessment in line with normal procedures".
Officers were "working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation", it said.
Supt Dan Wood, from West Yorkshire Police said: "We recognise an incident of this nature will cause understandable public concern.
"We are linking with our partner agencies and key community representatives to reassure them and keep them informed."
Earlier, some patients had been moved and wards were evacuated at the Gledhow Wing as a safety precaution, but they were now being moved back to their wards, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said.
Visiting for patients in parts of the hospital was also suspended for a time.
Counter terrorism police worked with Army specialists during the incident
Stephen Bush, the hospital trust's medical director for operations, said: "It may be some time before we are back to business as usual in these areas, so please bear with us.
"Unfortunately some patient appointments were cancelled as a result of today's incident and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused - these will be rearranged as soon as possible.
Mr Bush added: "We'd like to thank our patients and the public for their patience and understanding during this matter.
"We want to wholeheartedly thank our staff and the Emergency Services for their dedication and commitment to ensure we have been able to keep everyone safe."
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