Man charged with terrorism offences after Leeds hospital bomb scare

Mohammad Farooq, 27, was arrested last Friday after parts of St James's Hospital were evacuated.

26th Jan 2023

A man has been charged with terrorism offences after a suspicious package was found outside a Leeds hospital last week.

Mohammad Farooq, 27, was arrested last Friday after the discovery led to parts of St James’s Hospital being evacuated.

He has been charged with a series of terrorism, explosives and firearm offences in connection with the incident.

Mr Farooq has been remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in west London via video link on Friday.

Detective chief superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “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.

“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.”