POLICE sealed off some streets in Guiseley and evacuated people from their homes after a council worker discovered what was initially believed  to be unexploded Second World War mortar shell today.

The device was discovered in a garden in Hawkhill Avenue. Residents in the area were evacuated while it was dealt with.

An Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal team arrived on site at about noon.

After inspecting the artefact it was found that while it was several decades old it was a warning flare rather than an unexploded shell.

The cordon was lifted at 12.37pm and residents have since been allowed to return home.