Elderly residents evacuated from homes in hoax alert

Residents were forced out of their homes until the early hours of Friday morning, following the discovery of a suspected pipe bomb.

The army were called to examine the device which was later declared an elaborate hoax and residents were able to return at around 2.30am this morning.

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn condemned the hoax alert.

Mr Lunn commented: "I am outraged that these elderly residents had to be evacuated from their homes because of the actions of these thoughtless thugs. This caused real disruption and was undoubtedly a very traumatic experience for the residents.

"This hoax meant that valuable police time was wasted when it could have been better spent on fighting crime.

"If anybody has any information about this alert then they should contact the police."