A swarm of more than 10,000 bees has descended on County Hall in Beverley.
The bees were found inside the East Riding Council building just before noon.
Beverley beekeeper Steve Burgess was called and managed to get the bees outside into Register Square.
The bees are believed to have separated into two swarms, one heading towards Beverley Minster and the other remaining near County Hall.
The police and highways agency have been called to the scene to stop shoppers walking into Register Square.
Accommodation manager Chris Webb said: "The idea is to get the queen bee into a box, and then the rest of the swarm will follow.
"The box with the bees in will then be left in a safe place until this evening, when it is quieter. The bee keeper will then come and get the box and take the bees away back to a hive."
Crowds gathered to watch Mr Burgess collect the bees.
One shopper said: "This is something you don't see every day."
Have you been stung by a bee in Beverley? Contact reporter Lucy Leeson on 01482 398112.
• Have you seen our new homepage? Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk for the very best and exclusive local content.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
