Patients evacuated after ‘suspicious package’ found at St James’ University Hospital as bomb squad called in

THE bomb squad have swooped on a hospital and patients are being evacuated due to a “suspicious” package.

Emergency crews were scrambled to St James’s Hospital earlier this morning.

Ben Lack

Police swooped on the hospital this morning[/caption]

The bomb squad and Army are currently dealing with the incident, which has closed all roads near the main entrance closed.

Patients have been moved away from windows and into corridors, Yorkshire Post reports.

One said: “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.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust confirmed visitors are currently been stopped from accessing Gledhow Wing and Lincoln Wing.

But A&E is still open and patients elsewhere in the hospital are being urged to attend appointments as normal.

West Yorkshire Police are warning the public to stay away while they investigate.

A spokesperson said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package incident outside the Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital, in Beckett Street, Leeds.

“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.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package incident outside the Gledhow Wing at St James’s Hospital.

“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.

“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.”

Ben Lack

The bomb disposal unit is on the scene[/caption]

Ben Lack

Police are urging the public to stay away[/caption]

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