TUSCALOOSA,

Alabama - After responding to reports of individuals with firearms in the Tutwiler dormitory, University of Alabama police gave the all-clear Sunday night around 11:50 p.m.

The reports stemmed from rumors and social media posts, UA officials said, and no weapons or suspicious persons were found.

['Students were never in danger': University of Alabama addresses dorm search, rumors of gun violence]

UAPD

officers locked down the all-female dormitory Sunday night around 11 p.m., conducting a "thorough" search of the building, even though no specific eyewitness accounts had reported the threat.

No other dorms were on lockdown, despite rumors on social media and anonymous messaging apps.

Student newspaper

The Crimson White

first reported the lockdown and search around 11 p.m. At least seven

UAPD

cars were parked around the dorm while residents were not allowed to enter or exit the building for about 45 minutes after officers arrived.

UAPD

will continue to investigate the situation to determine where the posts originated.

After midnight, at least a dozen students were seen leaving the dorm with overnight bags, pillows and other items, apparently intending to spend Sunday night elsewhere.

Updated at 12:16 a.m. with official statement from university

Seven cop cars outside Tutwiler dorm, no one currently allowed in after anon gun threats reportedly sent to students pic.twitter.com/cm0sqAftBg — Melissa Brown (@itsmelissabrown) September 22, 2014

UA rep says the lockdown was prompted by rumors/social media posts, not any specific eyewitness accounts — Melissa Brown (@itsmelissabrown) September 22, 2014