United Kingdom: Hostage situation in Newcastle June 9

Event

A hostage situation is ongoing in Newcastle as of the morning of Friday, June 9. A man entered a job center on Clifford Street in the Byker ward holding a knife; he is now holding several members of the staff hostage. The police arrived on the scene around 08:00 (local time) and negotiations between the assailant and police continue. The motive behind the incident is still unclear.

As a measure of precaution, the nearby Byker Metro Station has been closed and the area has been cordoned off. Localized traffic disruptions are expected.

Context

This incident occurs in a very tense context with recent terrorist attacks in London on June 3 and in Manchester on May 22, and comes the day after general elections (June 8).

Advice

Individuals in Newcastle are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid the area.