York Police were on the alert today after a bomb scare in Leeds thought to have been the work of supporters of York hunger striker Barry Horne led to thousands of Christmas shoppers being evacuated from a city centre complex.

Animal rights campaigners take part in the vigil for hunger striker Barry Horne outside York District Hospital today.

Police today refused to divulge just what measures they were taking in York after the bomb scare at the McDonalds restaurant in Leeds' St John's Shopping Centre.

But they are understood to be braced for possible further scares in York, where hunger striker Horne is on the 59th day of his fast.

Supporters of Horne from around the country were expected to converge on York today as the vigil entered a critical stage, with animal rights activists saying the hunger striker is close to death.

Police in York said they were taking "appropriate action" following the hoax call and were poised to bring in extra officers if need be to deal with any trouble.

Chief Inspector Gary Barnett of York police said: "Scares of this type in themselves cause widespread panic and disruption, which puts people and property at risk."

Inspector Colin Bowes added they were closely monitoring the situation outside the district hospital where a vigil for Horne is taking place.

"We are aware of what took place in Leeds yesterday and we are concerned," he said.

The Animal Liberation Front, suspected of carrying out the Leeds bomb hoax was unavailable for comment today.

But animal rights protesters holding a vigil outside York District Hospital told the Evening Press they were totally opposed to violence.

Lara Saunders, of York Animal Aid, said: "We are peaceful protesters and the bad press that these things bring makes it more difficult for us."

The Animals Betrayed Coalition is hoping Horne's supporters from across the country will converge on York today to support Horne, who is now on the 59th day of his hunger strike.

The anonymous caller, who had tipped off a TV company, claimed to be a member of the Animal Liberation Front.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed today they believed there could be a link with Horne and said whoever had made the call had committed a serious criminal offence.

Superintendent Gavin Edwards said: "I would assume there is a connection and it will feature heavily in our inquiries."

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