Counter Terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old man following reports of a suspicious package which led to a partial evacuation of a Leeds hospital.

People have been asked to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing of St James’s Hospital, which houses the majority of its maternity services, including the delivery suite.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed a 27-year-old man had been arrested at the scene.

The force said: “Emergency services were called to a potentially suspicious package outside the Gledhow Wing of St James’s Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds earlier this morning.

“A cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure for public safety and army specialists are in attendance to make an assessment in line with normal procedures.

“People are asked to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time while the cordon remains in place.”

A patient on the respiratory ward told the Yorkshire Post: “We have all been moved out of our rooms onto the corridors and into the staff rooms.”

The police statement continued: “As a safety precaution, some people have been evacuated from the immediate vicinity.

“Emergency department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise.”

Read more:
Elle Edwards’ dad says Christmas will ‘never be the same’ as he vows to set up anti-gun foundation in her name
Forensic psychologist tells of ‘terrifying’ stalking ordeal – and reveals why some celebrities are targeted

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that police had evacuated numerous wards and that a cordon would remain in place.

It said: “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.”

Related posts:

Homes evacuated after house collapses in ‘explosion’ Man jailed after harassing woman in street and threatening to rape her England’s R number remains unchanged at between 1.2 and 1.4 ‘Overwhelming evidence’ Begum was trafficking victim, court hears ‘Legend and icon’: Formula 1 team founder Sir Frank Williams dies All over-18s could be offered COVID booster jabs as third Omicron case found in Britain Boris Johnson to give COVID update today alongside Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance What does Europe’s heatwave look like? Duchess of Cornwall’s 75th birthday marked with new photo Human remains found at Yorkshire recycling plant Nearly two-thirds of black children and teenagers do not trust police Nurse ‘helped to make celebratory banner to mark baby reaching 100 days old – then tried to kill her’