Police and emergency services have placed St James's Hospital under a cordon after a potentially suspicious package was found.
Police, alongside the fire service and an army bomb disposal squad have been on site since early this morning. A cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure for public safety and army specialists are in attendance.
The emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise. A man has been arrested by counter-terrorism police.
Read More: Wards evacuated at St James's Hospital but patients told still to attend as normal amid 'bomb scare'
Here is everything we know so far about the ongoing situation at St James's Hospital:
This morning (Friday, January 20) police and emergency services were called to reports of a suspicious package at the Gledhow Wing at St James's University Hospital on Beckett Street.
Traffic was affected near the wing, with people unable to gain access to parts of the hospital site. Staff reported on social media that they had been moved to safety and a cordon was put in place.
Officers have been liaising with Army specialists who are at the scene with a bomb disposal unit to make an assessment. People have been asked to avoid the cordon and make alternative routes to get into the hospital.
In an update on the St James's University Hospital website, people have been asked to avoid the entrance to the Gledhow Wing at this time. Access to the hospital will be through Alma Street - The Bexley Entrance - or Gledhow Road.
At just before midday, the North East Counter Terrorism Policing Unit made a statement, saying a 27-year-old man from Leeds had been arrested in connection with the matter. The cordon remains in place, as officers and Army units continue their investigations.
In their most recent statement, West Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency Services were called to a potentially suspicious package outside the Gledhow Wing of St James’ 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.
"As a safety precaution, some people have been evacuated from the immediate vicinity. A 27 year old man from Leeds has been arrested in connection with the matter.
"Due to the nature of the incident, CTP North East has deployed resources with access to specialist capabilities to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise."
Helplines have been set up for patients and families concerned. The hospital has created specialist helplines for both general and maternity ward matters. If you had planned to attend St James's Hospital for walk-in GP bloods today, the service is unavailable due to an ongoing incident. Alternative services are available at other hospitals.
Around 4pm on Friday afternoon, Counter Terrorism Policing North East issued an update. A spokesperson said: "At approximately 5am this morning, a 27 year old man from Leeds was arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences, after being found in possession of a suspected firearm and a suspicious device in the hospital grounds. He was detained for questioning and remains in custody at this time.
"There is not believed to be any ongoing risk to public safety. A cordon remains in place as a precautionary measure, but has now been reduced to facilitate greater access to the hospital. Specialist teams continue to work at the scene.Searches of a vehicle and a number of premises are ongoing.
"Counter Terrorism Policing North East has now taken responsibility for leading this investigation. Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation. This is being treated as an isolated incident at this time.
"We ask that people continue to use alternative entrances to the hospital. The Emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise."
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