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A security alert is causing disruption. Stock photo.
A security alert that caused disruption in Co Down this morning has ended.
Police responded to reports of a suspicious object in an industrial estate in the Ballydugan Road area of Downpatrick.
Cordons were put in place and some nearby residential properties were evacuated.
However, shortly before 3pm the PSNI confirmed the alert was over.
Inspector Padraig Heatley said: “Shortly after 7am on Saturday, police received a report of a suspicious object located in an industrial estate in the area. Officers attended, along with Ammunition Technical Officers, and the object was later declared a hoax.
A security alert is causing disruption. Stock photo.
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“The object has been removed and has been taken away for further forensic examinations.
“Residents who were evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return, and we are grateful for their cooperation and patience today.
“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 271 of 6/9/25.