Elderly residents forced from homes in hoax bomb alert

A number of elderly or infirm 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 3am.

Their ordeal began when call was received from a man around 9.30pm on Thursday evening to say his home had been attacked by a male wearing a fawn coloured top, baseball cap and jeans, who had thrown an object which looked like a "stick of dynamite" at a house in Oakvale Gardens.

A cordon of 100 metres was placed on either side of the house, whilst neighbours were advised to moved to the rear of their homes.

However, a number of elderly and infirm residents were evacuated and were transported by a police armoured vehicle.

The device consisted of two pipes, which contained wires and a battery. Bomb disposal experts deployed their robot to inspect the device, which was described as "crude at best."

PSNI Inspector Sandy Johnston said: "The people responsible for this hoax caused inconvenience and showed no regard for elderly and disabled residents who live in that development."

One local resident said the incident was a "disgrace". They said: "I am sure the elderly people involved were traumatised. It is a disgrace that old age pensioners have to be moved. The hoax went on to after 2 o'clock in the morning; it is not fair on people."

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn also condemned the hoax alert.

"I am outraged that these elderly residents had to be evacuated from their homes because of the actions of these thoughtless thugs" he said.

"This caused real disruption and was undoubtedly a very traumatic experience for the residents.

"This hoax also 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."

SDLP Councillor Brian Heading said: "It was an act of sheer vandalism, and members of the community, particularly the elderly, are suffering at the hands of this vandalism; it is deplorable."

Anyone who can help the police with their investigation is asked to call officers at Lisburn on 0845-6008000 or contact the Crimestoppers number which is 0800-555111 where information can be passed on anonymously.