Police have granted more time to the 27-year-old gamer, who was arrested after a “bomb” was found outside the hospital’s maternity ward

POLICE have been given more time to question a man arrested on suspicion of a terrorist offense after a ‘bomb’ was discovered outside a maternity ward.

Bomb squad and army specialists descended on St James’s Hospital in Leeds around 5am on Friday.

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The 27-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of involvement in perpetrating, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism after he was allegedly seen with a suspected firearm and a suspicious package in the hospital’s maternity ward on Friday.

A warrant was issued by Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, giving officers until Friday to detain the suspect and question him further if necessary, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) North East said.

The suspect was arrested by officers, who also found an improvised explosive device in a nearby car.

Sources claimed a pressure cooker-style device was found in the vehicle – similar to the one used in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. It is unclear if it was viable.

Patients were evacuated and told to move away from windows Friday morning.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust later confirmed that visitors were denied access to the Gledhow Wing.

The unit houses the bulk of the maternity ward — including the maternity ward — as well as some ventilation and mourning services.

However, the emergency room remained open and patients elsewhere in the hospital are encouraged to attend appointments as usual unless otherwise noted.

Counter Terrorism Policing North East said at the time: “The 27-year-old man who remains in custody since his arrest this morning was arrested again this evening under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; are suspected of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “This is being treated as an isolated case and there is no evidence of an increased or ongoing risk to the public.

“Despite this, the threat level in the UK remains at Serious and we would always encourage the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or conduct to the police confidentially on 0800 789 321 or at gov.uk/ACT.”

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