The security alert in the Church Road area of Castlereagh has now ended.
Inspector Carey said: “Police received a report shortly after 11.20am this morning, Sunday 26th May, of a suspicious object located at playing fields in the area. Officers attended alongside ATO, and the object, which has been declared as an elaborate hoax, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examination.
“The playing fields were closed for most of Sunday afternoon and a number of roads were closed. Officers have now left the scene, the roads have fully re-opened and police would like to thank the local community for their understanding.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting reference number 651 of 26/05/24.
“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”