Northern Ireland

Security alert in Newtownabbey declared an 'elaborate hoax'

The security alert forced people from their homes
The security alert forced people from their homes The security alert forced people from their homes

A SECURITY alert last night in Newtownabbey has been declared a hoax.

Police were called to Devenish Drive after receiving reports of a suspicious object just after 8.20pm.

Several homes were evacuated and roads were closed around the area before a controlled explosion was carried out.

Police said the suspicious device was found to be an "elaborate hoax" and the alert ended at around midnight.