York U students evacuated after abandoned suitcase found

An aerial view of Vari Hall at York University on March 21, 2016.

Students at York University were evacuated from a central building on campus after someone located an unattended suitcase in the woman’s washroom.

Toronto police said the suitcase was found on the second floor of Vari Hall at around 1:12 p.m.

Students were told to evacuate the premises by school officials, who also tweeted the message in an effort to get people to avoid the area.

“Exit Vari Hall immediately using nearest and safest exit. Do not use elevators,” the university said on its Twitter feed.

The university and police said the measure was precautionary while officers determined whether the suitcase posed any sort of threat.

A Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive team is on scene to assess the luggage.

Meanwhile, school officials said classes at Vari Hall are being cancelled until 7 p.m. and transit is being rerouted away from the building.