Huddersfield BMI hospital on police lockdown and cordoned off after 'targeted attack'

Hospital closed as police deal with incident on grounds in early hours of Thursday morning

A private hospital in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire has been closed and cordoned off while police investigate a “targeted attack” that took place early on Wednesday morning

BMI Huddersfield Hospital, part of the private BMI Healthcare chain, was not expected to open until Thursday and patients needing urgent help are being directed to call the on-duty clinical team.

A man is being treated at the infirmary for non-life threatening injuries after police were called to reports of an assault at 12.02am on Wednesday.

Two community support officers stood at the entrance of Huddersfield Hospital while a police van and more officers were inside the grounds, surrounded by trees and next to a cricket pitch.

The hospital said it was hoping to reopen on Thursday at 7am and no staff were involved in the assault which occurred in the car park.

A spokesman said: "Given the police investigation, we took the decision in the early hours to close today, and have been in contact with patients who were due to attend to rearrange appointments.

"The events took place outside the hospital and did not involve our patients or staff, however we support the police's appeal for information and extend our thoughts to all affected by the incident."

In a later statement, West Yorkshire police said officers were en route to the scene, when they were made aware that a man with a number of injuries had arrived at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

He remains in hospital, where he is being treated for non life-threatening injuries to his hand.

Detective Inspector Mark Atkinson, of Kirklees District CID, said: “Our enquiries are in their early stages but it appears that this was a targeted attack. Neighbourhood officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

“We would like to hear from anyone with information about the circumstances of what has happened or those involved.”