Cordon in Newcastle city centre as police receive report of 'suspicious item' at university
Police searches have been stood down and a man has been arrested on suspicion of communicating false information
Last updated 2nd Oct 2026
A police cordon has been place in Newcastle city centre this afternoon (Friday 2 October 2026).
Northumbria Police received a report of a 'suspicious item' at a Newcastle University building on Kings Walk at 14:10 today.
Searches have since been stood down and police have arrested a man on suspicion of communicating false information.
In a statement at 16:32 on Friday (2 October 2026), 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.”
In an updated statement at 17:31 on Friday (2 October 2026), 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.
“Searches were subsequently carried out and have since been stood down.
“A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of communicating false information.
"He remains in police custody at this time."
A Newcastle University spokesperson said:
“Earlier today, a small number of our city centre campus buildings were evacuated and a cordon was put in place as a precaution while Northumbria Police officers carried out enquiries.”