THOUSANDS of workers have returned to their offices after a suspicious package led to a three-hour evacuation of a call centre.

Almost 2,000 staff were evacuated from the npower call centre at Rainton Bridge, near Houghton-le-Spring at around 9.45am this morning after a suspicious package was found inside the building.

Police set up a cordon around the area and told staff to evacuate.

However, it has now been confirmed that the package did not pose a risk to the public and staff returned to work at around 1.30pm.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Following a report of a suspicious package at Npower in Cygnet Way, police have investigated the incident and further enquiries have found the item not to pose any risk to the public.

“Police have thanked those affected for their cooperation and patience”.

It is understood that a package was found near the building’s gym and staff were initially evacuated to the furthest car park, before being dispersed to the nearby Rainton Meadows Arena and other adjacent offices.

A member of staff told The Northern Echo: "People were panicking. We didn't know what was going on at first but the bomb squad were on the scene quickly and things have calmed down now."

A spokesman for the energy company said: “We can confirm that a suspicious package was discovered on site this morning.

“The building was immediately evacuated and the appropriate emergency services were called who are currently on site assessing the situation.”