A British university has been evacuated as a “suspicious item” has sparked a mammoth police response.
Police have swarmed Newcastle University’s campus as authorities cordon off the impacted area.
Emergency services were summoned after the item was discovered earlier this afternoon.
Staff and pupils were promptly evacuated from the surrounding buildings before the police blocked off several major roads nearby.
Firefighters were spotted descending on the scene, while police officers were seen arriving in tow with multiple fire engines.
Ambulance crews have also arrived at the scene.
Queen Victoria Road, Brewery Lane, King’s Road and St Thomas’ Street are all now cordoned off by Northumbria Police.
A force spokesman said: “At 2.10pm today (Friday) we received a report of a suspicious item at a Newcastle University building on Kings Walk in Newcastle city centre.
“Officers are in attendance and a cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public.
“Further information will be communicated in due course.”
The Royal Victoria Infirmary’s main entrance, which is next door to the campus, has been sealed off as well.
Members of the public have been instructed to enter the building through different routes – although the hospital remains open.
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that the building was not being evacuated.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
Leave a Reply