THE bomb scare which delayed thousands of York commuters and forced the evacuation of hundreds of workers was caused by a pair of gloves, it has emerged.

A large part of York city centre was brought to a standstill for more than two hours on Wednesday morning after a suspect package was found in the mail room of Aviva’s Yorkshire House office on Rougier Street, at about 7.20am.

The Press has now learned from sources in the emergency services that the package, addressed to a senior executive, contained a pair of gloves with a heating element.

Staff were concerned about the package, and called the emergency services, which led to the deployment of a bomb disposal team.

An Aviva spokesperson declined to comment on what the package contained or to whom it was addressed.

As The Press reported, about 800 Aviva workers were either stopped from going into work or evacuated from the building until the all clear was given at about 9.45am.

No other buildings were evacuated, but occupants were told to stay indoors and displaced Aviva employees were sent to the Guildhall until the all clear was given.

While investigations were carried out, part of York city centre was closed to motorists and pedestrians, many of whom were trying to get to and from the station in the rush hour.

George Hudson Street, Tanner Row, Rougier Street, Lendal Bridge were all shut, and police diverted traffic away from Clifford Street to avoid adding to congestion.

There were large tailbacks on or near the inner ring road, including on Lord Mayor’s Walk, Micklegate, Bootham and Gillygate and police, fire brigade and ambulance teams were at the scene.