AN investigation is being carried out after a 'suspicious package' was found and a pub was evacuated.

The incident, in the Church Street area of Seaham happened last night (Friday) at around 8.50pm, a cordon was erected by police.

In the early hours of this morning police issued an update saying the cordon had been lifted.

It is believed the package was found in the Wetherspoons pub.

Read more: Seaham pub evacuated after reports of 'suspicious package'

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "We appreciate the patience of those affected by the evacuation, and their cooperation while emergency services have dealt with the incident.

“An investigation will now be carried out, however our preliminary enquiries suggest that the item did not pose risk to the public.

“Anybody with any information relating to the incident is asked to contact Durham Police quoting reference number 439 of November 19.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054