Three suspicious objects were discovered as a security alert in Co Down town led to the evacuation of residents and the closure of roads.
Residents in Ballynahinch remained away from their homes for almost nine hours as police carried out a forensic examination of the objects and searches of the area.
Following examination, the three objects were declared hoaxes and residents, some of whom were looked after in a local community centre, were allowed back to their homes around 7pm.
Officers received a report of a suspicious object in the garden of a house at Windmill Avenue shortly before 10am on Friday.
An operation was put in place to enable the object to be examined but while the operation was ongoing, reports of two further objects at nearby Loughside Drive were received, police said. The roads were closed and residents evacuated.
The PSNI thanked “the local community for their patience and understanding during the course of this protracted security operation, and in particular all of the residents who have been affected today.
“Our primary aim throughout the course of this operation was to keep our community safe.” Officers have appealed to anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area of Windmill Avenue or Loughside Drive to contact them.
In a statement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “A security alert is ongoing in Ballynahinch and the Council have opened Ballynahinch Community Centre as an emergency rest centre for any displaced residents.”
The council said it was working the South East Trust, the PSNI and the Housing Executive “to assist residents during this emergency”.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard condemned those responsible for the security alert in Ballynahinch which has caused disruption and inconvenience to residents.
“This is disgraceful. The last thing people need is having to leave their homes in the middle of a cold winter day,” Mr Hazzard said.