Northern Ireland

Security alert in Lurgan an 'elaborate hoax'

The suspicious object believed to be at the centre of yesterday's security alert in Lurgan, Co Armagh
The suspicious object believed to be at the centre of yesterday's security alert in Lurgan, Co Armagh The suspicious object believed to be at the centre of yesterday's security alert in Lurgan, Co Armagh

SEVERAL homes were evacuated during a security alert in Co Armagh which was later declared an "elaborate hoax".

The alert was raised after the discovery of a suspicious object in Allenhill Park in Lurgan yesterday morning.

The object - a plastic drum with a length of wire and a battery - was found on a path in the area. It was later taken away for further examination.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly before 7pm.

Police appealed for information and apologised that a nearby public park had to be closed due to the hoax.

Sinn Féin representative Nuala Toman said the alert had caused serious disruption.

"The local community do not want this disruption to their lives on a Sunday morning, particularly those with young children and older members of our community," she said.

"Whoever is behind these incidents needs to stop and let the local community get on with their lives.”