Hoax device shaped like pipe-bomb left at NI home whilst householder forced to ground - nearby homes evacuated - suspicious object later declared hoax

Last night police were at the scene of a security alert in the Millbrook Gardens area of Castlederg following the report of a suspicious object.

This morning a PSNI spokesman revealed the security alert was now over.

The statement said that a suspicious object was examined at the scene and declared a hoax.

The statement added that the alert started after a number of men forced entry to a house in the area at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.

“The intruders held the male occupant to the ground before leaving an object with the appearance of pipe bomb at the property and making off,” added the statement.

“Police and ATO attended and nearby neighbours were evacuated whilst the item was examined and later declared a hoax.

“The item has been taken away for further forensic examination.

“Anyone with any information about this incident or who may be able to help with the police investigation, is asked to call officers at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 1875 07/07/20, or submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”.