Bomb scare Wetherby over internet treasure hunt box Published duration 1 July 2011

image caption Businesses were evacuated after police cordoned off an area of Wetherby

A controlled explosion was carried out in West Yorkshire on a suspect package which turned out to be part of a treasure hunt.

Bomb squads were called to a cafe in Wetherby, after a man was seen acting suspiciously before hiding a box under a planter.

The box contained wires and was thought to be a clue in an internet treasure hunt.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

A waitress working at The Gourmet cafe saw a man talking on a mobile phone and acting "furtively" before slipping a small plastic toolbox sealed with industrial tape beneath a planter.

'Distinctive markings'

The owner of The Gourmet Cafe, Karen Brittain, said her business was affected and has called for tighter measures on internet treasure hunts.

"It was a busy day and customers in the cafe had to leave. There should be distinctive markings on these types of boxes."

Local businesses were evacuated for a period of four hours, and a 100m (328ft) cordon was put in place.

Insp Marcus Griffith, from West Yorkshire Police, said they had to take the situation seriously.