Castlereagh Security Alert Declared 'Elaborate Hoax'

A security alert in Castlereagh in the early hours of Tuesday, 5 September, has been declared an "elaborate hoax".

Shortly after 7.15am on Tuesday morning, it was reported that a suspicious object had been found at playing fields in the Church Road area. Officers attended and Church Road was closed to road users as examinations were carried out on the object. The object removed for further forensic examination.

Two nearby schools were closed as a result of the alert which caused disruption for pupils, parents and teachers alike.

Thanking those affected for their patience and co-operation whilst our officers worked to ensure the safety of all, Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: "An investigation is underway and I would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact police at Strandtown on 101, quoting reference number 236 05/09/23. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."