College says remains of Chinese lanterns were mistaken for nooses

The University of Delaware said the mistake showed the need for 'continuing dialogue'

The University of Delaware has said three items found hanging from a tree on campus were not nooses – seeking to draw a line under reports that sparked outcry and alarm on campus.

Interim university President Nancy Targett initially announced on Wednesday that the discovery of the items hanging in front of a campus building on Tuesday night had prompted a hate crime investigation.

The discovery of the items had triggered alarm at the campus, with many voicing their concerns on social media.

But in a statement posted online around daybreak, Ms Targett said the investigation found that the items were not instruments of a hate crime, but left over from an event on The Green, a campus open space.

According to the Associated Press, Ms Targett said the incident revealed the campus’ sensitivity to the potential issue and showed a need for “continuing dialogue.” She invited the community to gather Wednesday afternoon.