A MAN has been charged with a terror offence after a “bomb” was discovered outside a maternity unit.
Mohammad Farooq, 27, was arrested by cops after bomb squad and Army specialists swooped on St James’s Hospital in Leeds last Friday.
3A bomb disposal specialist on the scene of the incident on FridayCredit: Ben Lack-YappApp
3Army specialists were deployed to St James’s Hospital in LeedsCredit: PAPatients were evacuated and told to move away from windows at about 5am.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust later confirmed visitors were being blocked from accessing Gledhow Wing.
The unit is where the majority of the maternity ward is held – including the delivery suite – as well as some respiratory and bereavement services.
Farooq was seized by officers, who found an improvised explosive in a nearby car.
He was held for questioning, and the CPS on Thursday authorised charges under the Terrorism Act, in addition to explosives and firearms offences.
Farooq has been charged with engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, possessing an imitation firearm and keeping an explosive with intent to endanger life or property.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court via video link on Friday.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “We understand people may have concerns following last week’s arrest and the resulting charges.
“For Counter Terrorism policing and its partners, public safety remains our priority at all times and an extensive and thorough investigation has led to the charges brought today.
“These enquiries have confirmed our initial assessment that this was an isolated incident.
“We are satisfied that there is currently no evidence of an increased risk to the public, within our communities or the UK hospital estate, in connection with this investigation.”
DC Supt Dunkerley said the UK threat level remains “substantial”, however.
He added: “History has shown us we can’t afford to be complacent.
“Public vigilance is invaluable in supporting the efforts of Counter Terrorism Policing and its partners to protect our communities from harm.
“Every year thousands of reports from the public help police to respond early to potentially suspicious activity.
“If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting to police in confidence at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
3Police found an improvised explosive in a nearby carCredit: Ben Lack-YappApp
Story Credit: thesun.co.uk