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Staff discover 'suspicious substance' at hospital

Steve Jones
BBC News, Yorkshire
Steve Jones/BBC A fire engine parked outside a hospital. Three police officers carrying black bags can also be seen in the photo.Steve Jones/BBC
Emergency services spent several hours at Leeds General Infirmary

Police are investigating a malicious communications offence after staff at a hospital in Leeds discovered a "suspicious substance" inside a package.

West Yorkshire Police said specialist officers were sent to Leeds General Infirmary just after 11:00 BST after the substance was found in a small package.

A force spokesperson said cordons were put in place as a precaution for public safety, with some hospital functions transferred to another location.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said officers from its Detection, Identification, and Monitoring unit carried out tests and deemed the substance to be "non-toxic".

No injuries were reported and hospital functions and have returned to normality, police confirmed.

In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said: "Tests conducted on site determined the substance posed no threat to public health and police scenes were stood down later on Wednesday afternoon, with hospital functions returning to normality.

"A malicious communications offence will be recorded regarding the package being sent to the hospital, and an investigation is underway by Leeds District CID."

The force said it worked "closely with colleagues at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to manage the situation".

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