A POPULAR seaside town hotel was evacuated earlier today due to an ongoing incident involving emergency services.

The Grand Hotel and surrounding buildings in Scarborough were evacuated as a precautionary measure and the area surrounding the hotel, including St Nicholas Cliff and the Spa Bridge and the Travelodge and The Palm Court hotels was cordoned off to allow emergency services to attend.

Pictures appear to show emergency service vehicles, including ambulances, at the scene of the hotel. Police have now confirmed that the incident has been brought to a conclusion after a bomb hoax.call. Read more on this here.

Speaking this morning, a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Members of the public are advised to avoid the area."

Terry Anne Scholes, a member of the public evacuated from The Palm Court hotel at around 10.30am today, said her and three of her friends were asked to leave after ordering drinks - as the police had instructed staff members to evacuate the building.

"We gathered our things and left. The alarm was sounded to speed us up and we were advised to walk as far away as possible", Terry added.

Speaking on Facebook, councillor Neil Heritage, of Scarborough Borough Council, said that Scarborough Spa was used as a rest shelter for guests and staff. Meanwhile, several local roads were closed, which the councillor said caused congestion in the town centre.

The hotel, which is owned by UK-chain Britannia Hotels, is among one of the region's most iconic buildings and dominates the town's skyline.

Built in the 1860s, the hotel overlooks the town's harbour and South Bay and is popular with tourists from across the North East, North Yorkshire and beyond.