Suspicious object found during Newtownabbey security alert declared elaborate hoax

A security alert in Newtownabbey sparked by the discovery of a suspicious object has been declared an elaborate hoax.

Residents living in Ashford Lodge off the Ballyclare Road were evacuated from their homes from after 11pm on Thursday.

But police later said the alert had ended and that the object was a “hoax and non-viable”.

In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report on Thursday, 5th September shortly after 11.15pm that a suspicious device had been left in the area.

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“A number of homes were evacuated as officers conducted a public safety operation in the area.

“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and carried out a controlled explosion on the device – which was later confirmed a hoax and non-viable.

“Residents have now returned to their homes and temporary cordons lifted from the area.

“Our primary aim throughout the course of this operation was to keep our community safe and I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this time.”

She added that “our enquiries are continuing” and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.