Updated at 2.45pm

A SECURITY ALERT in Strabane, Co Tyrone this morning has been lifted after a suspicious object discovered at the scene was discovered to be a hoax.

Residents of the Ballycolman Avenue area were evacuated over the discovery and an Army Technical Officer (ATO) was called to the scene.

The local community centre was made available to accommodate those who were evacuated from their homes this morning.

The ATO has left the scene and the PSNI says that the object has been declared an elaborate hoax, but that a controlled explosion has been carried out at in the area.

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Suspicious object in Strabane an “elaborate hoax”

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.