DRIVERS were urged to avoid a major road after the discovery of what was initially thought to be a "suspicious package".

Police said they received reports of a "suspicious package" on Harrogate Road, in the Moortown area of Leeds, close to the roundabout with the A6120 ring road, at 9.25am.

Road closures were put in place and a small number of nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "An Army EOD team was called in to examine the package, comprised of a plastic bag and a military-style metal container, and subsequently confirmed it to be non-suspicious.

"Members of the public are thanked for their patience and understanding following an incident that has caused significant disruption."

Shortly before 2pm, the spokesperson said roads in and around Harrogate Road had started to reopen.