UK: Man with knife holds staff members hostage at Newcastle Job Centre !

A man armed with a knife was recently seen holding several members of staff at a Job Centre Plus in Newcastle, Northumbria Police said.

Officers were called to Clifford Street in Byker at around 8 am today morning following reports of a disturbance at the centre.

Specialist negotiators are currently at the scene, and roads around the premises have been closed until further notice.

“There is no information or intelligence to suggest whether the incident was terror related,” police said.

Nearby student accommodation has also been evacuated, and Byker Metro station has been closed.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said, “Officers have attended and found a man armed with a knife, who had entered the premises. It is believed that several members of staff are being held there. Several other staff members have left.”

“We are currently dealing with the incident but there are no reports of any injuries at this time,” he added.

It is believed that the man responsible is known to Job Centre staff, and the incident is being treated as an isolated one.