A major police incident involving the evacuation of York College last night was sparked by a report of a possible suspicious package.

North Yorkshire Police last night (Wednesday, March 15) said a search of the building had resulted in nothing being found.

A spokesperson added police were now investigating the full circumstances behind the incident.

Police earlier revealed that shortly after 6pm a cordon had been in place and the road closed between York College and the Tesco roundabout.

Several police vehicles and firefighters attended and the college was evacuated.

It is understood Tesco car park was also evacuated.

One witness told The Press he has seen "about half a dozen police pursuing a couple of young men" in the field behind the college.

"Nobody knew what was going on. It was all pretty confused," he added.

A North Yorkshire Police statement  said: "Police were contacted at 4.10pm today (Wednesday, March 15) by York College who had been alerted to a possible suspicious object on their campus.

READ MORE: York College issues update

"Officers attended and assisted college staff in evacuating the building.

"Tadcaster Road was closed and a cordon was put in place to ensure the safety of members of the public.

"A search of the campus was completed and nothing was found."

The statement said that Tadcaster Road was open at 7.15pm and the cordon on the college campus was lifted at 9.38pm.

It added: "An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident."