Newcastle University buildings evacuated after ‘suspicious item’ found on campus

Police and emergency services responded to an incident at Newcastle University earlier today, in which a “suspicious item” was found outside a university building on King’s Walk.

Northumbria Police were called to Newcastle University at 2:10pm, and sealed off Brewery Lane, St Thomas’ Street, King’s Road, and Queen Victoria Road. The cordon has since been removed.

Multiple university buildings were evacuated as emergency services arrived at the scene, including fire crews and fire engines.

Northern Stage, which is located opposite the Newcastle University’s Students’ Union building, has been unaffected by the incident.

One student, present on campus at the time, told The Newcastle Tab: “A black suitcase outside the building was reported at 2:10pm. Everything was cornered off by 3pm.

“Loads of staff are on campus wearing fire warden armbands, not letting people walk towards it.

“They’ve cornered off half of campus near the arches, and then they were evacuating people just after 3pm, I think.”

A 33 year old man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of communicating false information.  

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A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call for an incident in Newcastle City Centre at 16:19 on Friday 2 October.

“We dispatched one duty officer, one commander officer and three HART crews (Hazardous Area Response Team) but were stood down by police shortly after.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson 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.

“Searches were subsequently carried out and have since been stood down.

“A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of communicating false information.

“He remains in police custody at this time.” 

A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “Earlier today, a small number of our city centre campus buildings were evacuated and a cordon was put in place as a precaution while Northumbria Police officers carried out enquiries.” 

Featured image: Lucy Birchall and Shreya