Russells Hall Hospital 'put in lockdown' after hoax bomb scare
Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital was 'put in lockdown' after a hoax bomb threat.
Police say security staff detained a man at the hospital this morning following the hoax call.
He was arrested by police a short time later.
Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, off Pensnett High Street, said some patients inside the emergency department were moved outside while the arrest was made.
People were stopped from leaving or entering the building during the drama which happened after around 10am.
The hospital is now back operating as normal.
WATCH: People outside Russells Hall Hopsital after the bomb hoax. Courtesy of @Davidshep1985
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "There was a call from someone claiming that there was a bomb at the hospital."
A 43-year-old man from Halesowen has been arrested in connection with the scare and is helping police with their inquiries.
Hospital officials including Paul Bytheway, the Chief Operating Officer, took to Twitter to ease concerns after the hoax.
Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust chief executive, Diane Wake, said: "A bomb threat at Russells Hall Hospital was a hoax.
"The police were called and a man has been arrested.
"As a precaution, some patients in the emergency department waiting area were asked to move outside whilst the police dealt with the individual.
"We did not have to evacuate the hospital. Staff followed protocol and placed the hospital in lockdown.
"People were prevented from leaving or entering the building.
"Patients and staff are safe and we are operating as normal. "
