COUNTER Terrorism Policing North East has issued an updated statement after a bomb scare at a West Yorkshire hospital this morning.

A suspicious package was found outside the Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, and a 27-year-old man from the city has been arrested.

A police cordon was put in place as the bomb squad descended on the hospital, while some patients had to be evacuated.

This afternoon, Counter Terrorism Policing North East 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.”