A security alert in the Canning Place area of north Belfast has now ended.
Local policing Sergeant Kelly said: “ A suspected pipe bomb was found at the front of a residential property on Sunday morning, 12th April.
“A number of residents were advised to evacuate during the public safety operation that followed, with local facilities opened to accommodate this.
“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene this afternoon and examined the item, deeming it to be an elaborate hoax. The item has now been taken away for forensic examination.
“Those who were evacuated are now able return to their homes and the cordon has been lifted.
“We appreciate that people were out of their homes for a period of time as this public safety operation was conducted and we thank them for their patience.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 1486 11/04/26.
“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”