Three Apple plants in Cork had to be fully evacuated this morning, after an anonymous threat left staff fearing for their safety. 

Over 4,000 employees were evacuated from the tech giant's three centres at Lavitt's Quay, Holyhill and Model Farm Road.

Gardaí soon arrived at the scene, with the EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) team also on standby.

According to  RTÉ, no viable device was found, meaning staff are now safe to return to work – although other outlets are reporting that the threat still remains.

Staff evacuated from two Apple sites in Cork after bomb threat – no viable device was found and staff are returning to work

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 18, 2016

@rtenews i dont think thats true, my aunt is still in her car waiting for the all clear..and that was 5 minutes ago!!

— BobsYourTeapot (@Meg_TimTimoneyx) January 18, 2016

It's believed the threat was linked to 'several' anonymous emails, though it's not known what information they contained.

Meanwhile, some Twitter users have been having fun with the news:

4000 staff evacuated from Apple in Cork. When they go back to work, U2 will be playing a gig in the canteen, whether they like it or not.

— Eamon Lowe (@EamonLowe) January 18, 2016

Certainly an interesting start to Monday for those 4,000 employees.