LONDON, Jan 27 — A 27-year-old man from Leeds, northern England, has been charged with terrorism and other offences after an “incident” last week involving a suspicious package at a city hospital, police announced Thursday.

The man faces charges of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, keeping an explosive with intent to endanger life or property and possessing an imitation firearm.

He remains in police custody and will appear before a London court, via video-link, on Friday.

“An extensive and thorough investigation has led to the charges brought today,” Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of counter-terrorism policing in the region, said in a statement.

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“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.”

Dunkerley noted the UK terrorism threat level remains at “substantial” and that “history has shown us we can’t afford to be complacent”.

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Details made public about the incident remain limited, and UK legal restrictions about reporting on the case come into force now a suspect has been charged.

West Yorkshire Police said last week that its officers were called to St James’ Hospital in Leeds early last Friday.

They arrested the 27-year-old man on its grounds on suspicion of firearms and explosives offences, after he was found in possession of a suspected firearm and a “suspicious device”.

Counter-terrorism police then took over the investigation, with a court granting a request to hold the suspect until later this week for questioning. — AFP