A MAJOR shopping centre has been reopened to the public after being closed for more than three hours following a bomb scare.

Police have now completed a search of the Monks Cross Shopping Centre on the outskirts of York and have lifted their cordons.

Officers said they were satisfied there was no risk to the public and allowed it to re-open to shoppers at about 1.30pm.

However they believe the original report of a suspicious package was made maliciously and are now conducting a full investigation.

“We would like to thank the members of the public and the affected businesses for their patience and understanding while we dealt with the incident,” said a spokesman.

“The safety of all concerned was our main priority. “

Anyone with any information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on101, select option one and pass information on to the force control room.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.