A NUMBER of homes had to be evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious object in Armagh this afternoon, hours before the Patrick’s Day parade in the city was due to take place.

Army technical officers who investigated the suspect object carried out a controlled explosion on College Street in the city. The object was declared to be a hoax.

The street was closed for several hours as the investigation was carried out.

UTV reports that the Patrick’s Day parade in the city had to be re-routed due to the traffic diversions imposed as a result of the security alert.

DUP deputy leader tells House of Commons: Make St Patrick’s Day a public holiday >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Suspicious object found in Armagh hours before Patrick's Day parade

DUP deputy leader tells House of Commons: Make St Patrick’s Day a public holiday >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.