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Armed police close off parts of Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after reports of man acting suspiciously

Armed police descended on Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital with areas locked down during an investigation.

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Armed police inside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Picture: Vicky Randhawa

Police detained a man on the hospital grounds close to the main building shortly after 6.20pm.

People inside the hospital took to social media to say they had been told to stay inside while searches took place.

West Midlands Police later said the man had not been arrested.

Access to parts of the hospital had been closed off for around 50 minutes.

The investigation comes amid heightened security following the Manchester terror attack this week.

Firearms officers have been on patrol in Birmingham and Wolverhampton for the past two days.

A force spokesman said: "Police were called to Queen Elizabeth Hospital at 6.20pm today following reports of a man acting suspiciously.

"Working alongside hospital security staff, officers detained and searched a 46-year-old Birmingham man in an area away from the main building.

"As a precaution access to parts of the hospital was restricted for around 50 minutes while checks were completed.

"Officers sent to investigate were supported by firearms officers including some who were already at the hospital.

"The man has not been arrested and the call to police by security staff was made in good faith. We thank the guards for their vigilance and for acting on their concerns.

"We continue to ask for people to remain alert and report suspicious behaviour to us on 101 or via the confidential Anti-terrorism Hotline 0800 789 321."