A SUSPICIOUS object found in the Galliagh area of Derry has been declared an elaborate hoax.
Police are reminding the public of the importance of following their advice and respecting cordons after a resident walked close to the site of the suspicious object while attempts were ongoing to make the object safe.
Security operations of this nature bring significant disruption to the community and present challenges to the PSNI as they attempt to minimise disruption whilst keeping the community safe from harm.
Inspector Mullan said: “We attended the area following reports of a suspicious object and ATO were tasked.
“We called to a number of homes in Glengalliagh Park and advised residents to leave their homes.
“Some residents agreed to leave their homes however a number of residents declined and were advised to remain inside their homes and take appropriate precautions.
“A resident left their home and walked past the suspicious object while attempts were ongoing to make the object safe.
“We spoke to the resident immediately after and, although she was shaken, she was uninjured”
“Our investigation into the hoax device is ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101.”
Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney said incidents such as the “should not be happening”.
He added: “It’s senseless and serves no purpose except disrupting the lives of local people.”
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