ARMED police surrounded a house yesterday after reports that an armed squatter was inside, but six hours later they found the home empty except for a toy gun.

Police went to the house in Burtonstone Lane, York, at 11.40am after receiving reports about a gunman being inside. The road was closed to traffic as a precaution.

A police spokesman said at the time that attempts would be made to try to get the man out peacefully. But at 5.35pm police reported they had entered the building without mishap, to find it empty.

"We are satisfied the original information was given to us in good faith," said the police spokesman.