Terror police arrest man with ‘bomb and gun’ at maternity unit
A GUNMAN armed with a device resembling a bomb brought terror to a hospital maternity unit yesterday.
Counter-terrorism police arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences over the incident at St James’s university Hospital in Leeds.
In a disturbing echo of the bomb attack on a Liverpool maternity unit in 2021, the suspect was seen loitering in the hospital’s grounds at 5am yesterday.
A passer-by challenged him before raising the alarm. He is said to have been armed with an air gun.
Bomb disposal units and army specialists found a ‘suspicious package’ resembling a bomb and patients and staff were evacuated.
Tests are being carried out to see whether it was a viable explosive device. Officers are also examining a gun found at the scene. Officers were last night also searching three properties and a vehicle linked to the suspect.
Although it has not been declared an attempted terror attack, Counter Terrorism Policing north East said it had taken over the investigation.
The gledhow maternity wing is home to the majority of the hospital’s pregnancy services, as well as some respiratory and bereavement work.
The incident revived memories of the appalling attack on Liverpool Women’s Hospital in november 2021, when Emad Al Swealmeen set off a bomb at the entrance at 10.59am on Remembrance Sunday.
The 32-year- old asylum seeker died when his homemade explosive containing 1,000 ball bearings went off in the back of the cab he had hailed. The innocent taxi driver suffered three fractures to the bottom of his back and damage to his ear drums.
Detectives were still questioning the 27-year-old Leeds suspect last night. They said inquiries were under way to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation. Steve Bush, medical director at Leeds Teaching Hospitals nHS Trust, said patients were being moved back into the wards.
‘unfortunately some patient appointments were cancelled as a result of the incident and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused – these will be rearranged,’ he added.
A police spokesman said: ‘A 27year- 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.
‘Extensive inquiries are under way to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation. This is being treated as an isolated incident.’
‘Searching three properties’