After two incidents in same week at the university, north-east counter-terrorism unit takes lead on investigation

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Counter-terrorism police have taken over an investigation into two bomb scares in the same week at Newcastle University, it has been announced. The incidents prompted a controlled explosion in central Newcastle upon Tyne and two evacuations at the campus.

Two 18-year-old Russian students at Newcastle University were arrested after a specialist anti-bomb robot had to be sent in to the campus to retrieve "suspicious material". The explosion was carried out on the nearby Town Moor on Tuesday.

There was a second evacuation over a fresh scare on Thursday, although a police search has now ended without finding anything and students have been allowed to return.

Police have confirmed that the north-east counter-terrorism unit (NECTU) is now leading the inquiry. Officers said that one of the teenagers was arrested in London on Tuesday on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act, while the other was held in Northumbria on Wednesday on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.

"Due to the potential offences under investigation, the NECTU will lead the inquiry at this time," said a police spokesman.

The spokesman added: "There is no evidence to suggest that students or any wider communities are at immediate risk in connection with the alleged offences under investigation."

"We recognise that people may have concerns as a result of this activity and would like to reassure them that precautions were taken at the earliest opportunity to ensure public safety while inquiries were undertaken.

"We would ask people not to be alarmed and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of people locally."

On Tuesday, the roads surrounding the INTO accommodation building, which is on the university campus in the north of the city centre, were closed off as specialist bomb disposal experts were called in.

Yesterday Dr John Hogan, registrar at the university, said they had excellent security arrangements in place.

"We'd like to reassure staff and current and prospective students that our main campus is open as usual today," he said.

He added: "We would reiterate that our campus is very safe. We have excellent security arrangements in place at the university and that allowed us to deal with the issue very quickly."