Otley Parish Church was today cordoned off by the police as a suspected incident overnight in the churchyard was investigated.

Townspeople woke to find the imposing stone building and its surrounding graveyard closed off with blue and white tape and two Police Community Support Officers guarding the entrance gates.

A printed notice said there had been an incident in the graveyard and that the cafe was closed.

The officers were tight-lipped when questioned by intrigued locals and the Telegraph & Argus reporter.

Nearby householders said they had heard nothing in the night and local businesses and customers in nearby pubs were equally uninformed.

Detective Inspector Ian Lawrence, of West Yorkshire Police, explained: "Police were called to Kirkgate, Otley, at 12.31am this morning following concern for a female.

"Officers attended and spoke to the female to ensure she was OK. A scene was established to see if any crime had been committed. That scene has now been closed as investigations continue."

By late morning, the cordon had been removed and people were strolling through the sunny graveyard.

All Saints Parish Church is at the heart of the community in Otley.

The first church building on the site was Anglo Saxon. It boasts a magnificent stained-glass East Window and many interesting memorials and artefacts.