A safety alert in Saintfield on Friday has ended after the PSNI stated it was an “elaborate hoax”.
Residents in Saintfield had been evacuated for a time after a suspicious object was left in a residential space
PSNI officers and Ammunition Technical Officers attended the Rowallane Dale space.
Police stated cordons within the space have been lifted and residents who had been evacuated from their properties have been in a position to return.
Inspector Heatley stated: “We wish to thank the area people for his or her endurance and understanding throughout this time.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anybody with any details about the incident or who could possibly assist with the investigation, is requested to name police on the non-emergency quantity 101 quoting reference quantity 246 of 09/09/22.”