HOMES in the Short Strand area of east Belfast were evacuated today due to a security alert.
It is understood residents spotted a suspicious device on Madrid Street this morning.
Inspector Nigel Loughlin said: “Police responded to a report at 6:20am today that a suspicious object had been discovered in the area.
“An operation was immediately put in place to secure the area, and a number of residents were evacuated.
“ATO were tasked to the scene and examined the object, which was found to be an elaborate hoax.
"All residents have been allowed to return to their homes."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on non-emergency number 101.
