Security alert was an 'elaborate hoax', police say

A number of men wearing black technical trousers and blue bulletproof vests are standing with their backs to the camera. They are working with equipment inside a large white truck. To the side is a police officer, also with his back to the camera, dressed in a green PSNI uniform. A female office is in the foreground completely blurred. Pacemaker

Police officers remain at the scene of the security alert

A security alert in Belfast is believed to have been "an elaborate hoax", the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said.

A number of homes had been evacuated following the discovery of two suspicious devices outside a residential address in the Castleward Park area in the south of the city.

Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the devices. The items have been taken away for forensic examination.

The alert has now ended.

"This was a distressing experience for the residents of the property and those who live nearby, who had to deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes," said Insp Bell.

"I would like to thank everyone affected for their patience while we worked to ensure the area was safe."

PSNI enquires are ongoing and they have appealed for information.

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