Police investigate hoax device

The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 21, but details were only made public by the police today.

Detailing the incident, a police spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a suspicious object in the Merville Garden Village area of Newtownabbey at around 3:30pm on Tuesday, March 21.

“A number of homes in the area were evacuated while the object was examined. The object was declared a hoax and residents were allowed to return to their properties around 9pm.

“Anyone with information should contact police in Newtownabbey on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 678 of 21/3/17. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”