A SECTION of York city centre was closed off to motorists and pedestrians this morning following the discovery of a suspect package at the headquarters of insurance giant Aviva.

George Hudson Street, Tanner Row, Rougier Street, Lendal Bridge were all closed, and police diverted traffic away from Clifford Street to avoid adding to the congestion. There were large tailbacks on or near the inner ring road, including on Lord Mayor's Walk, Micklegate, Bootham and Gillygate.

Police say a suspect package was found in the mail room of Aviva's Yorkshire House office on Rougier Street at about 7.20am. Army bomb disposal teams were called. The all-clear was given at about 9.45am and emergency services are now leaving the scene.

The bomb alert left crowds of Aviva workers who had either been evacuated or were unable to get into the building standing beyond a police cordon at the junction of Lendal Bridge and Lendal while others gathered at the nearby war memorial.

They were taken to Guildhall while the package was investigated.

No other buildings were evacuated but occupants were told to stay indoors.

One Aviva employee who did not wish to be named said: "We have just turned up for work and been told there is a bomb scare going on.

"We are just ringing round our teams to let them know they should stay in their cars, and we have been told to stay outside until further notice from the police."

Another worker said: "I have been told I can't go in, but have not been told why."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The police actions are a precautionary measure to ensure safety and residents and visitors are advised the situation is under control."

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