Rob Burrow MND Centre site targeted by thieves

The construction site of a motor neurone disease (MND) treatment centre named after Leeds rugby league legend Rob Burrow has been targeted by thieves.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said in a statement that two recent incidents of theft and damage at the site at Seacroft Hospital were "really disappointing".

The new facility is being built with the backing of the family of Burrow, who died in June aged 41 after having been diagnosed with MND in 2019.

Craige Richardson, director of estates and facilities at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said staff were working with West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and extra security measures had been put in place.

Mr Richardson said: "We are really disappointed that there have been two incidents involving theft and damage at the construction site of the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital.

"We will always take positive action against criminal activity at our hospitals, including prosecution."

On Sunday, WYP said it was only in a position to comment about an incident that happened on Friday.

A force spokesperson said: "A call was received at 11:37pm on Friday reporting an ongoing burglary at the construction site for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital.

"Officers attended at the scene and an area search was made for the suspects, with a rucksack and tools located and seized.

"Officers have reattended at the construction site today to make further enquiries. At this time, it has not been reported that anything was stolen during this incident."

Mr Richardson said the new centre was still due to open in the summer, adding that it would provide a "calm and peaceful" environment for patients.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.