Police have cordoned off part of Newcastle city centre and evacuated university buildings following a report of a "suspicious item".
Northumbria Police were called to a Newcastle University building on King's Walk at about 2.10pm today (Friday, October 2).
Officers remain at the scene, and a cordon has been put in place "to ensure the safety of the public".
Newcastle University students evacuated from buildings (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Several Newcastle University buildings have been evacuated, while several surrounding streets have been affected by the cordon.
Queen Victoria Road, Brewery Lane, King's Road and St Thomas' Street are among the roads where restrictions have been put in place.
A large emergency service presence has gathered in the area, with firefighters, the North East Ambulance Service and a police dog unit also seen at the scene.
Newcastle University students evacuated from buildings (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "At 2.10pm today (Friday) we received a report of a suspicious item at a Newcastle University building on Kings Walk in Newcastle city centre.
"Officers are in attendance, and a cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public.
"Further information will be communicated in due course."
Newcastle University students evacuated from buildings (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The incident is also affecting access to the nearby Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed the hospital itself is not being evacuated.
Read more
Durham student shouted for help before being dragged beneath waves, inquest hears
Man fighting for his life after County Durham 'hit and run' as another arrested
National Innovation Centre for Data generates £141m for UK economy
Patients are instead being directed to alternative car parks, while people can still leave via the New Victoria Wing and multi-storey car parks.
Northern Stage, which is also close to the university, is understood to be unaffected.
Police remain at the scene, and further updates are expected.