A POLICE helicopter was deployed over York in the early hours of Sunday following reports that a large group of people were fighting and some had been injured.

North Yorkshire Police said officers responded at about half past midnight to reports of a disturbance in the Stockton Lane / Malton Road area.

"Initial information was that a large group of people were fighting and some people had been injured," said a force spokeswoman.

"Police attended the scene along with the ambulance service and air support from the National Police Air Service’s helicopter.  

"On arrival, no fight was ongoing and no injured parties made themselves known to officers.  

"Officers remained at the scene to carry out inquiries and a search of the area, however, no further evidence of a fight or disturbance, nor injured person was found."

She added that inquiries were ongoing into the report.

Taxi driver Luis Sollitt, who took the accompanying photograph of the helicopter searchlight, said he saw up to a dozen police vehicles in the area, including armed response officers who had come over from West Yorkshire.

One man contacted The Press at 1.40am to say: "I am witnessing a police helicopter with searchlights spotting,or trying to spot, a gentleman - or lady - on the Heworth Golf Club."

Many residents took to social media to complain they had been woken by the helicopter, which they had seen over Heworth Golf Club and Heworth Stray.

One man said he saw the helicopter over the stray with armed response officers assisting.

One resident asked: "Does anyone know why there is a helicopter with lights patrolling everywhere!?!"

Another said: " It's right over my house. I'm looking over golf course and its circling there."

A third posted: "It's just been over our house in Heworth and woken all of the kids. Lights are on so it's definitely searching the area."

There were also reports of a helicopter being heard over Tang Hall and as far away as Clifton,Rawcliffe and New Earswick.