A man has been arrested on suspicion of a terrorism offence after being spotted with a suspected firearm and suspicious package at a hospital maternity ward.
The maternity wing of the hospital was evacuated after the security scare on Friday morning. Hospital patients were moved and wards were temporarily evacuated. Visiting for patients was also suspended for a time.
The man was held on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism acts under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Officers searched a vehicle and a number of properties in connection with the incident. Army specialists and a bomb disposal unit were called to the hospital site and a cordon was put in place as a precautionary measure. Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Police are treating this as an isolated incident with no change to the national terror threat level at this time.
The Prime Minister has said the government plans to introduce the Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) legislation in early Spring. The Protect Duty is aimed at tightening counter terrorism security measures in all UK publicly accessible locations, and establish an inspection regime with statutory guidance and support, with sanctions for non compliance.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-64346201
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-64018123
Action Required
• Ensure staff remain vigilant and report any suspicions immediately.
• Contact your TIAA Local Security Management Specialist for counter terror and
crime prevention advice.