Police granted more time to question terror suspect after arrest at Leeds St James’s hospital

Police have been granted more time to question a man arrested on suspicion of a terror offence at a hospital’s maternity wing in Leeds.

The 27-year-old suspect was initially detained after he was allegedly seen with a suspected firearm and a suspicious package at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, on Friday.

He was later re-arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court granted a warrant for further detention, giving officers until Friday 27 January to hold and further interview the suspect if required, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) North East said.

Wards on the Gledhow wing of the hospital were evacuated after the suspect was detained at around 5am.

Army specialists and a bomb disposal unit also attended the scene and a cordon was put in place as a precautionary measure.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said on Friday that they are treating this as “an isolated incident”.

He said there is “no evidence to suggest there is any heightened or ongoing risk to the public” but urged everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or behaviour to police, as the threat level in the UK remains “substantial”.