A LARGE hotel and nearby buildings have been evacuated - as the emergency services are currently at the scene.

The Grand Hotel in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, has been completely evacuated as unconfirmed reports suggest the 'bomb squad' have been called.

Those at the scene said on social media that they were moved away from the area at around 12pm on Monday.

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Pictures appear to show emergency service vehicles, including a number of ambulances, currently at the scene of the hotel.

The emergency services have so far confirmed the St Nicholas Cliff and the Spa Bridge area near to the hotel has been cleared of the public.

The Northern Echo: Picture: GOOGLEPicture: GOOGLE

It is understood the Travelodge hotel at St Nicholas Cliff, which is directly opposite The Grand, is among those buildings evacuated.

Witnesses who were in the area at time of evacuation said they had not been told anything, instead being told to wait by the cordon nearby.

'Avoid the area'

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police has not yet confirmed the seriousness of the situation.

They said: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at an ongoing incident at the Grand Hotel in Scarborough.

"The hotel and surrounding buildings have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and the area surrounding the hotel, including St Nicholas Cliff and the Spa Bridge has been cordoned off to allow emergency service to attend.

The Northern Echo: Inside The Grand Hotel Picture: TRIPADVISORInside The Grand Hotel Picture: TRIPADVISOR

"Members of the public are advised to avoid the area."

Terry Anne Scholes, a member of the public evacuated from The Palm Court hotel at around 10.30am today, said her and three of her friends were asked to leave after ordering drinks - as the police had instructed staff members to evacuate the building.

"We gathered our things and left. The alarm was sounded to speed us up and we were advised to walk as far away as possible", Terry added.

The hotel at the scene of the incident

The hotel, which is owned by UK-chain Britannia Hotels, is among one of the region's most iconic buildings and dominates the town's skyline.

Built in the 1860s, the hotel overlooks the town's harbour and South Bay and is popular with tourists from across the North East, North Yorkshire and beyond. 

According to TripAdvisor, the hotel has a 2.5 out of 5-star rating, based on feedback left by almost 10,000 people.

It is believed, two floors of the hotel are being used to house Afghan refugees as part of the resettlement programme - while the rest of the building remains open to guests.

Speaking on Facebook, councillor Neil Heritage, of Scarborough Borough Council, said that Scarborough Spa is now being used as a rest shelter for guests and staff. Meanwhile, several local roads have been closed, which the councillor said is causing congestion in the town centre.

We'll be bringing you more as we have it...

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