By James Simons-
Counter-terrorism police have swamped a hospital in Leeds and arrested a man after a “suspicious package” was discovered at a hospital
Bomb squads surrounded St James’s University Hospital in Leeds this morning after the package was found outside one of the site’s entrances.
A large police cordon is currently in place at a Leeds hospital as the bomb squad deals with an emergency incident.
West Yorkshire Police (WYP) has urged people to avoid the Gledhow Wing at St James’ University Hospital, Beckett Street as a result of the operation.
Patients have been evacuated from some ward areas and there’s a huge emergency services presence at the scene.
In the latest update, a police spokesperson confirmed reports of a “suspicious package incident” outside the Gledhow Wing.
The emergency response includes police, paramedics, army specialists and the bomb disposal unit. Patients are being asked to attend hospital as normal for appointments, unless they are contacted otherwise.
The public should avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time.
Patients can access to the hospital will be through Alma Street (Bexley entrance) or Gledhow Road.
Visiting for patients in the Gledhow Wing and Lincoln Wing is currently suspended until the hospital receives further information.
A spokesperson for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said in a statement: “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.”
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “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 hospital”
Image: Ben Lack-YappApp