Leeds General Infirmary evacuated and man arrested after fire is started on ward

Police were called to the hospital at about 5.55pm to reports that a man was attempting to start a fire.

The man was also said to be armed with a screwdriver, causing damage to the unit and making threats.

The area was evacuated.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

Police officers located and arrested a man.

He remains in custody.

No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident.

Police remain on scene and the suspect remains in custody.

A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals said: "A small fire at LGI this evening was extinguished quickly and nobody was injured.

"Staff and patients were evacuated for a short period and police investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Thank you to our staff, the fire service and the police who responded quickly."

Full West Yorkshire Police statement:

"Enquiries are ongoing this evening following an incident at a hospital in Leeds.

"Police were called to the Leeds General Infirmary at about 17.54 to a report of a man in possession of a screwdriver who was causing damage in a unit, had made threats, and was attempting to start a fire.

"The area was evacuated, and officers attended, located and arrested a man.

"West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended the hospital and extinguished fire inside the affected area.

"No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident.

"Police remain on scene and the suspect remains in custody."