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The alert in Omagh has now ended
Stock Image – ATO attended the alert
Mark Edwards and Liam Tunney
Today at 16:13
A suspicious object that sparked a security alert in Co Tyrone was an “elaborate hoax”, police have said.
Nursing home residents and those living nearby in houses and flats had been evacuated after the discovery of the suspicious object in the Culmore Road area of Omagh on Friday morning.
Cordons had been put in place and the public had previously been asked to avoid the area.
In an update issued on Friday afternoon, the PSNI said the device was a hoax.
Stock Image – ATO attended the alert
News Catch Up – Friday 19th September
“A suspicious object was discovered in the Culmore Park area of the town in the early hours of Friday, September 19,” said a spokesperson.
“During the public safety operation that followed, a number of local residents had to deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of being evacuated from their homes, including a number of those who resided in sheltered accommodation.
“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the device, which has been confirmed as an elaborate hoax. The item has now been taken away for further forensic testing.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience while we worked to make the area safe.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 124 19/09/25.”