NEIGHBOURING homes were evacuated after police discovered suspected hazardous materials in a North Yorkshire home.

It followed the arrest of a 60-year-old man on suspicion of racial/religious harassment and criminal damage yesterday.

After the man was arrested yesterday (Friday, July 14) police carried out a search of a property at Cockret Court, Cockret Road, in Selby - and evacuated neighbours as a precaution.

The cordon was lifted during the early hours of this morning (Saturday, July 15)

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said that during the search suspected hazardous materials was found.

In a multi-agency investigation, they were later deemed to be safe and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Police and other emergency services initially took a decision to evacuate neighbouring flats after creating a 100m cordon around the property as a precaution.

Residents were given  temporary shelter provided nearby.

The investigation is ongoing and a scene guard remains in place.

The area is cordoned off and there will be disruption to the surrounding area as emergency services attend the scene.

The 60-year-old man currently remains in police custody