Police staged a search operation near a York pub this evening (Monday).
Shortly after 6pm a large number of officers were seen on Piccadilly, near the Postern Gate.
Members of the public were told that they were searching for three males who had run from a suspected stolen car, abandoned in nearby Hope Street.
Officers were seen searching along Hope Street close to the Brown Cow pub.
Police then called a recovery truck which took the car, a VW Tiguan, away from the scene.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We located an abandoned black VW Tiguan estate car on Hope Street, York, at about 6pm yesterday.
“The car had previously been sighted driving in suspicious circumstances in the Walmgate area of the city. If you saw it, or have CCTV or dashcam footage, please get in touch with us.
“The vehicle was recovered by our officers and taken to a secure location. Enquiries are ongoing.”
If you can help police, you can call them on 101, quoting reference 12240074767.