Knife-Wielding Man Holds Job Centre Staffers Hostage in Newcastle

According to reports, witnesses said the man had something strapped to his chest.

A knife-wielding man is believed to be holding several staff members at Job Centre Plus in Newcastle, Northumbria Police said.

Witnesses reported seeing the man with something strapped to his chest, Mirror reported.

The report also quoted Northumbria Police as saying:

Police are currently dealing with an ongoing situation in Newcastle. Police were called to Job Centre Plus, Clifford Street in Byker at around 8am (Friday, June 9) following reports of a man causing a disturbance.

Byker Metro station is closed as we deal with an ongoing situation on Clifford Street. Some roads are also closed. It's an isolated incident pic.twitter.com/UluaZgtuPE

— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) June 9, 2017

Thank you for your patience as we deal with the incident. Nobody is believed to be injured and we're currently speaking to the man involved.

— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) June 9, 2017

Details are awaited.