Counter-terrorism police have arrested a man after a "suspicious package" was discovered at a hospital.
Bomb squads descended on St James's University Hospital in Leeds this morning after the package was found outside one of the site's entrances.
A cordon was quickly erected and later widened, as a member of the squad was spotted in a blast suit near the hospital's maternity wing.
A 27-year-old man from Leeds has now been arrested in connection with the incident.
In a statement, 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.
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The bomb squad with a bomb disposal robot inspects an item at the scene (Ben Lack-YappApp)“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.”
Counter Terrorism Policing North East added: "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."
A member of the bomb disposal unit wearing protective equipment at St James's Hospital (PA)Pictures from the scene show a heavy presence of soldiers and emergency services alongside the cordon, with firefighters seen around midday and appeared to be readying themselves..
The Gledhow Wing, at the centre of the incident, housed most of the hospital's maternity ward including the delivery suite.
Police and army at the hospital this morning (Ben Lack-YappApp)Bomb disposal vehicles are on site and some staff and patients have had to be evacuated from some of the wards close to the incident.
Visiting has been suspended but patients are being asked to attend their appointments at the hospital as normal unless contacted and A&E remains open.
One inpatient in the Lincoln Wing of the hospital claimed that two "bombs" had been discovered behind the hospital, but this has so far been unconfirmed.
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Some wards have been cordoned off at St James's Hospital (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)In a statement, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package incident outside the Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital.
One eyewitness told the Yorkshire Post: “I am a patient on the respiratory ward and we have all been moved out of our rooms onto the corridors and into the staff rooms.”
"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 cordon was set up after the 'suspicious package' was found (Ben Lack-YappApp)"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 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."
The bomb disposal unit was on the scene since earlier this morning (PA)Local public transport has been affected as buses are diverted away from the hospital stop.
A helpline was set up for patients and families amid the ongoing incident. They have been asked to ring 0113 20 66261 if they have any concerns and not contact wards directly.
Patients and staff were evacuated and areas of the hospital were inaccessible for over 14 hours.
Police have warned the public to stay away (Ben Lack-YappApp)Mr Steve Bush, who is Medical Director (Operations), at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, confirmed around 4.47pm that the incident has been "stood down" but a cordon remains in place while police enquiries continue.
Bush said: "The critical incident at St James’s Hospital has been stood down. Police and specialist services remain on site as the investigation is ongoing.
"We'd like to thank our patients and the public for their patience and understanding during this matter.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the ongoing incident (PA)"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.
"Patients who were evacuated are being moved back to their wards. It may be some time before we are back to business as usual in these areas, so please bear with us."
He added: "Our patient helpline has been stood down and visiting has resumed as normal across Gledhow wing and Lincoln wing.
A number of wards were evacuated including maternity services (PA)"Unfortunately some patient appointments were cancelled as a result of today's incident and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused - these will be rearranged as soon as possible.
"A cordon remains in place outside Gledhow wing whilst the police investigation continues, but has now been reduced to allow greater access to the hospital.
"The front entrance to Gledhow wing will remain closed for the rest of the day so please continue to use alternative entrances through Alma Street (Bexley wing entrance) or Gledhow Road."
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