Thursday, January 26, 2023
A statement on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing North East:
A man from Leeds has been charged in connection with the incident at St James’s Hospital on Friday, January 20.
Following an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, the CPS has this evening (Thursday, January 26) authorised charges under the Terrorism Act, in addition to explosives and firearms offences.
Mohammad FAROOQ (18/10/1995) of Hetton Road, Roundhay, Leeds, has been charged with the following:
- One offence of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
- One offence of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, contrary to Section 16(a) of the Firearms Act 1968.
- One offence of keeping an explosive with intent to endanger life or property, contrary to Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.
He remains in custody and will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court via video link tomorrow, Friday, January 27.
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.
“Despite this, the UK threat level remains at Substantial, and 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.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the public during this investigation. We’d particularly like to thank the staff and patients at St James’s Hospital for their patience and cooperation throughout the disruption last Friday.”
Saturday, January 21, 2023
A statement on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing North East:
This is an update in relation to an incident that occurred early on Friday, 20th January at St James’s Hospital in Leeds.
A 27 year old man from Leeds was arrested the same day by Counter Terrorism Policing North East on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism contrary to Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He has been held at a Police Station in West Yorkshire and interviewed by officers.
Today, Saturday, 21st January a Warrant of Further Detention was granted by Westminster Magistrates Court giving officers until Friday, 27th January to hold and further interview the suspect if required.
There are extensive enquiries ongoing to establish the full circumstances, and explore any potential motivation. Investigations of this nature are large and complex therefore officers require time to thoroughly carry out detailed examinations and lines of enquires.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said:
“We continue to treat this as an isolated incident and there is still no evidence to suggest there is any heightened or ongoing risk to the public.
“Nevertheless, the UK threat level remains at Substantial and we would always encourage the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or behaviour to police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or at gov.uk/ACT.”
Saturday, January 21, 2023
A statement on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing North East:
This is an update in relation to an incident that occurred yesterday (Friday, January 20) at St James’s Hospital in Leeds.
The 27 year old man, who has remained in custody since his arrest yesterday morning, was last night re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The scene at the hospital has now closed. The cordon has been lifted and full access has been restored.
Searches of a vehicle have also concluded, but they continue to be carried out at premises in Leeds.
Due to the nature of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North East is leading this investigation and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, and explore any potential motivation. Investigations of this nature are complex and officers are currently carrying out detailed forensic examinations and a review of the items recovered, including digital media devices.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said:
“This is being treated as an isolated incident and there is no evidence to suggest there is any heightened or ongoing risk to the public.
“Nevertheless, the UK threat level remains at Substantial and we would always encourage the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or behaviour to police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or at gov.uk/ACT.”
Superintendent Dan Wood, of Leeds District, said:
“This incident was brought to a safe conclusion by the work of the emergency services, and a man has been arrested in connection with it and remains in custody.
“We are continuing to liaise with our counter terrorism colleagues as they progress their investigation.
“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable public concern and we are linking with our partner agencies and key community representatives to reassure them and keep them informed.”
Friday, January 20, 2023
A statement on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing North East:
This is an update following the discovery of a suspicious package outside the Gledhow Wing of St James’s Hospital in Leeds.
At approximately 5am this morning, a 27-year-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.
Searches of a vehicle and a number of premises are ongoing.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East has now taken responsibility for leading this investigation. Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation.
This is being treated as an isolated incident at this time.
We ask that people continue to use alternative entrances to the hospital. The Emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise.
Superintendent Dan Wood, of Leeds District, said:
“This incident was brought to a safe conclusion by the work of the emergency services, and a man has been arrested in connection with it and remains in custody.
“We are continuing to liaise with our counter terrorism colleagues as they progress their investigation.
“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable public concern and we are linking with our partner agencies and key community representatives to reassure them and keep them informed.”
Friday, January 20, 2023
A statement on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing North East:
This is an update following the discovery of a suspicious package outside the Gledhow Wing of St James’s Hospital in Leeds.
At approximately 5am this morning, a 27 year 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.
Searches of a vehicle and a number of premises are ongoing.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East has now taken responsibility for leading this investigation. Extensive enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and any potential motivation.
This is being treated as an isolated incident at this time.
We ask that people continue to use alternative entrances to the hospital. The Emergency Department at St James’s remains open, and patients are asked to attend outpatient appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise.