The security alert in the Sunnyside Drive area of Maghera is now over.
Inspector Long said: “Police received a report shortly after 4:35pm on Sunday 12th November of a suspicious object located at residential premises in the area. Officers attended and the object, which has been declared as an elaborate hoax, has been taken away for further forensic examination.
“A number of homes in the area were evacuated, as police conducted a public safety operation. All residents have now returned to their homes and police would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during this time. Sunnyside Drive has now reopened following the incident.
“Our enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1103 12/11/23. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org. “