A SECURITY ALERT in Co Tyrone has ended after the suspect device was declared an “elaborate hoax”.

A suspicious object was discovered in the Culmore Park area of Omagh in the early hours of this morning.

A number of local residents had to be evacuated from their homes as a result, including a number of people in sheltered accommodation.

The PSNI also said residents of a nearby nursing home had also been evacuated, but later said that this was not the case.

Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the device, which has been confirmed as an elaborate hoax.

The item has now been taken away for further forensic testing.

The PSNI has thanked the local community for their patience and said that enquiries are ongoing.

Officers have appealed to anyone with any information to get in touch.

Local SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan condemned the incident and remarked that it “interrupted the lives of many people in this area at the end of the working week”.

He added: “This must have been a very difficult situation for the residents and staff in this care home, faced with the possibility of moving older and vulnerable people at short notice.

“The people behind this incident care nothing for those affected – but their actions are totally futile and have no support in this area.”