Northern Ireland

Antrim security alert an 'elaborate hoax'

A security alert in Antrim has been declared an "elaborate hoax". Picture by Hugh Russell..
A security alert in Antrim has been declared an "elaborate hoax". Picture by Hugh Russell.. A security alert in Antrim has been declared an "elaborate hoax". Picture by Hugh Russell..

A SECURITY alert in Antrim has been declared an "elaborate hoax".

Police say it was reported that a suspicious object was found in the Meadow Lands area at just before 8.40am.

The Niblock Road, at the junction with Springfarm Road, was closed for a time before later reopening.

A spokesman for the PSNI said: "Just before 8.40am it was reported to police that a suspicious object was located in the area.

"The object, which has been declared as an elaborate hoax, has been taken away for further examination.

"Residents who were evacuated from their properties have now returned."

The spokesman added that police "would like to thank the local community for their patience during this safety operation".