Leeds United have been forced to close and evacuate their Elland Road facilities after being advised to do so by the police following a threat to the club made on social media.
The club’s ticket office, Foundation offices, and the Elland Road club shop have all been affected – remaining closed to the public until deemed safe to reopen.
Leeds confirmed the news in a tweet this morning, in which they apologised for any inconvenience caused and that they will update the public when services resume.
“Leeds United’s offices, ticket office, Foundation offices and club shop at Elland Road will be closed until further notice on the advice of the police,” they said.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and we will inform the public when normal service resumes.”
The Athletic’s Phil Hay also took to Twitter to provide further information about the incident:
“Leeds United forced to close and evacuate Elland Road after security threat made against the club. West Yorkshire Police investigating and making checks at the ground,” his tweet read.
UPDATE (12:20 – 24/03) – West Yorkshire Police have now issued a statement about the security threat, revealing that they were first alerted to it at 9:49pm yesterday evening.
The statement in full reads as follows (as per LeedsLive):
“Police were called to attend at Elland Road football stadium following reports of a security threat to the premises.
Investigations are currently ongoing to establish the credibility of that threat. The report was received at 9.49pm last night.”
UPDATE (17:45 – 24/03) – West Yorkshire Police have now confirmed that a 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident:
“Officers have arrested a 42-year-old man in connection with the incident and enquiries remain ongoing,” a spokesperson said (via Yorkshire Evening Post).
