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Two arrests made after suspicious item reports lead to Newcastle University cordon
Overview
Two men were arrested following reports of a suspicious item at Newcastle University, which prompted a large police cordon, temporary building evacuations, and road closures around the campus. Northumbria Police lifted most of the cordons by early evening, leaving only a section outside the King George VI building's Muslim prayer space. The two suspects, aged 21 and 43, were arrested on suspicion of communicating false information and later released with no further action.
Key points
- Two men aged 21 and 43 were arrested on suspicion of communicating false information.
- Northumbria Police responded to reports of a suspicious item on Kings Road at 14:10 BST.
- Roads and campus areas, including around the Royal Victoria Infirmary, were temporarily cordoned off and later reopened.
- A small number of university buildings were temporarily evacuated.
- Searches were carried out and subsequently stood down, with both men released with no further action.