Newcastle jobcentre 'knifeman arrested in his pants after storming building with fake bomb strapped

A SUSPECTED knifeman was arrested in his pants after allegedly storming a jobcentre with a fake bomb strapped to his chest and taking people hostage.

Armed cops and bomb squads swarmed around Byker area of the city this morning after a man raced into the building at around 8am.

Specially trained officers negotiated with the alleged knifeman, 28, who is believed to be known to staff at the centre.

All hostages have now been released and a man has been arrested, police confirmed.

Northumbria Police tweeted: “The man has been arrested by officers and is in police custody.

“A search of the premises will now take place so the cordon will remain.”

Police said the man had a fake explosive device strapped to his chest, prompting them to call in bomb disposal experts as a "precaution".

Officers say they arrived at the scene nine minutes after the incident was reported and cordoned off the area.

Roads around the building were closed and nearby student accommodation was evacuated as a precaution.

Armed cops and dog handlers were spotted at the police cordon amid tense scenes.

Police earlier said the knifeman was holding several hostages

All of the people being held in the building were released by 8.30am and the suspect surrendered to police at 11.15am.

It was at this point that police found the potential explosive device to be fake.

The alleged knifeman was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and remains in police custody at this time.

Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Darren Best has now paid tribute to the officers who responded to the incident this morning.

He said: "In recent weeks we have heard many positive stories about the police and how quickly they have responded to some of the atrocities we have witnessed in London and Manchester.

"When we first received the call this morning there were very real concerns that this individual could have caused serious harm and to be on the scene in a matter of minutes is a fantastic response."

He added: "A full investigation will take place and there will be further activity in the area throughout the day.

"However, we want to thank the people of Newcastle for working with us today."

Byker Metro station has been re-opened since the incident and all the road closures have been lifted.

Those evacuated have also been allowed back in their respective buildings.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Nobody was injured during the incident and police want to thank the public for their patience as we brought this to a safe conclusion."

Police have since said that they do not believe the incident to have been terror-related.

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