Reason behind children’s hospital panic

Night Ambulance
Police are on the scene at Westmead Children’s Hospital. Picture: iStock

Cops swarmed a busy Sydney hospital after a threatening email was sent to staff.

Emergency services were called to Westmead children’s hospital on Hawkesbury Road just before 8am on Tuesday.

Locals were told to avoid the area and the hospital as police attended the scene.

A hospital spokesperson explained in a statement that the police were responding to a “threatening email” received that morning.

NCA NewsWire saw armoured trucks driving away from the scene just before 9am.

ARMED POLICE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Police responded to a police operation at Westmead children‘s hospital just before 8am. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Adam Yip
ARMED POLICE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Hospital staff received a threatening email. Picture: Adam Yip

“The activity was precautionary,” the spokesperson said.

“Police have advised there is no current risk to the hospital.

“All patients, families and staff are safe and clinical care has not been impacted.”

A police spokesperson confirmed the operation was concluded around this time.

ARMED POLICE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
People were advised to avoid the area for an hour. Picture: Adam Yip

A Westmead children’s hospital spokesperson has assured patients and the public that everyone inside the hospital is safe and the hospital is operating as normal.

Patients are urged to keep their appointments at the hospital.

Members of the public were told to avoid the area if possible and follow the instructions of emergency services on the scene.

A NSW police spokesperson thanked the public for their patience throughout the morning.

The hospital will continue to work with NSW Police on the matter.