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Leeds St James's Hospital: Man held over terror offence

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Bomb disposal experts and Army specialists were called to St James's Hospital in Leeds on Friday.

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Bomb disposal at St James's Hospital — Image caption, A bomb disposal team was called to the hospital

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a terrorism offence after he was allegedly spotted with a suspected firearm and suspicious package at a hospital maternity ward.

The Gledhow wing of St James's Hospital in Leeds was evacuated after the security scare on Friday morning.

The man was held on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism acts.

Police said: "This is being treated as an isolated incident."

Det Ch Supt Jim Dunkerley, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, added: "There is no evidence to suggest there is any heightened or ongoing risk to the public."

The man was originally arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences but police later announced he had been re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in connection with the new allegation.

Officers have been searching a vehicle and a number of properties in connection with their inquiries.

Army specialists and a bomb disposal unit were called to the hospital site and a cordon was put in place as a "precautionary measure".

Image caption, Visiting was suspended in part of the hospital for a time on Friday

Counter Terrorism Policing North East said its officers were "working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation".

Supt Dan Wood, from West Yorkshire Police said: "We recognise an incident of this nature will cause understandable public concern.

"We are linking with our partner agencies and key community representatives to reassure them and keep them informed."

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said some patients had been moved and wards were temporarily evacuated at the Gledhow Wing as a safety precaution.

Visiting for patients in parts of the hospital was also suspended for a time.

A member of the bomb disposal unit at St James's Hospital

Image caption, Counter terrorism police worked with Army specialists during the incident

Stephen Bush, the hospital trust's medical director for operations, said: "Unfortunately some patient appointments were cancelled... we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused - these will be rearranged as soon as possible".

He added: "We'd like to thank our patients and the public for their patience and understanding during this matter.

"We want to wholeheartedly thank our staff and the emergency services for their dedication and commitment to ensure we have been able to keep everyone safe."