Larne security alert declared a hoax

The security alert in Larne town centre has ended, with Army bomb experts describing it as a hoax device.
Police cordoned off Dunluce Street on Monday afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious object.Police cordoned off Dunluce Street on Monday afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious object.
Police cordoned off Dunluce Street on Monday afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious object.

The alert began just after midday, when police received a report of a suspicious device at the back of a business premises in the Dunluce Street area.

Police sealed off the scene and Upper Main Street, Dunluce Street and Lower Cross Street were closed to traffic, with motorists advised to avoid the area. The alert ended at about 5.30pm.

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Larne police commander, Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley said: “Police acted quickly to keep people safe and away from the suspicious object. Many businesses and a few residents in the area were evacuated. The lives of local people have been disrupted today and I lay the blame on those who planted the hoax device. Their actions are irresponsible and show disregard for the local community.

“I would like to thank the people of Larne for their patience as police and Ammunition Technical Officers addressed the situation. Hoax devices can be very realistic and similar in look to the real thing. Where there is a clear threat to life, police must take action to keep people safe.”