St James's Hospital Leeds police incident: Man re-arrested over suspected terror offence following bomb scare
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Army bomb disposal experts and emergency services were at the scene yesterday after a suspicious package was found outside the Gledhow wing. A man was initially arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences, but police later said he was re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
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St James’ Hospital Leeds: ‘Suspicious package’ reports as police set up cordon
Key Events
Bomb disposal expert seen wearing blast suit
Our reporter Alex Grant has spotted a member of the Army team on site wearing a blast suit, suggesting they may be preparing to carry out a controlled explosion of the package. The explosive ordinance disposal suits are designed to withstand the pressure generated by a bomb and any fragments the bomb may produce.
Hospital issues statement confirmed A&E remains open
Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust has issued the following statement via its website:
“Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package incident outside the Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital.
“A cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and we have been working with the police to evacuate some ward areas to keep our patients and staff safe.
“Patients are being asked to attend hospital as normal for appointments, unless they are contacted otherwise. Visiting for patients who are currently in Gledhow Wing and Lincoln Wing at St James’s Hospital is suspended until we have more information.
“Accident & Emergency at St James’s is still open.
“Please avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time. Access to the hospital will be through Alma Street (Bexley entrance) or Gledhow Road. Please see the cordon area map below.”
Live report from the scene
Our reporter Alex Grant has shared this report from the scene as the incident at St James’ University Hospital continues.
Security staff managing access to site
Our reporter Alex Grant is at the scene. He says the Lincoln Wing entrance has also been cordoned off and security are managing access to other parts of the hospital site. He’s share the image below as army bomb disposal experts continue to work at the scene.
Public urged to avoid Gledhow Wing entrance
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs St James’ Hospital, is yet to issue any public statement. It’s not clear to what extent they have had to close off areas inside the hospital, but a cordon has been put in place outside the Gledhow Wing where the suspicious package was found.
The police advice have said the cordon is a precautionary measure but people are being asked to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time.
Police issue statement
West Yorkshire Police has confirmed that its officers are investigating a suspicious package found outside St James’ University Hospital in Leeds this morning. The full statement reads:
“Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package incident outside the Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital, in Beckett Street, Leeds.
“A cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure for public safety. Officers are liaising with Army specialists who are at the scene to make an assessment in line with normal procedures.
“People are asked to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time.”