THREE suspect devices in Ballynahinch were declared hoaxes after a security alert in the town last week.
Serious disruption was caused, and homes evacuated and roads closed, after the first of the objects were located in the garden of a house at Windmill Avenue, shortly before 10am on Friday.
As the security operation swung into place, with PSNI and bomb disposal experts at the scene, it was then reported that a further two objects had been discovered at the nearby Loughside Drive.
With the local council having set up what it described as “an emergency rest centre” in the town’s community centre for those forced to flee their homes, the local authority also confirmed, in a social media post, and as the extent of the security operation escalated, that it was working in tandem with the Housing Executive and South Eastern Trust.
It wasn’t until closer to 7.30pm that PSNI confirmed the alert had ended, with the three objects which sparked the security alert having been confirmed as hoaxes, and people allowed to return to their homes.
The community was also thanked for its “patience and understanding” as the operation evolved; with images from the scene later showing military vehicles in attendance, including a robot which was used to investigate the suspected crime scenes.
Speaking afterwards, a local police inspector acknowledged it had been “a protracted security operation” and confirmed that the objects removed would be the subject of “further forensic examination”.
“Officers received a report of a suspicious object in the garden of a house at Windmill Avenue shortly before 10am. An operation was put in place to enable the object to be examined but while the operation was ongoing, reports of two further objects at nearby Loughside Drive were received.
“A number of roads were closed and homes evacuated while all three objects were examined. The objects have now been declared hoaxes and have been taken away for further forensic examination. Roads have re-opened and residents allowed back to their homes,” he explained.
The senior officer added: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the course of this protracted security operation, and in particular all of the residents who have been affected today.
“Our primary aim throughout the course of this operation was to keep our community safe.”
He concluded by appealing for anyone with information, and in particular, anyone who recently noticed any suspicious activity in the area of Windmill Avenue or Loughside Drive, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 318 19/11/24.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The incident has been condemned by Chris Hazzard MP and local councillors, David Lee-Surginor and Tierna Kelly.
After speaking with some of those caught up in the event, Mr Hazzard said the incidents caused a “serious” amount of “disruption and inconvenience” to the community.
“This is disgraceful,” the MP stated.
“The last thing people need is having to leave their homes in the middle of a cold winter day.”
Condemning those responsible, Mr Lee-Surginor said “placing hoax explosive devices in our community” is “reprehensible” whilst Ms Kelly said the community “will not be intimidated.”
“Such acts only serve to create fear and disruption, and we stand united against any attempt to undermine the safety and well-being of our residents,” added Cllr Lee-Surginor.
Cllr Kelly echoed his sentiments, saying: “Ballynahinch is a resilient community, and we will not be intimidated by these senseless actions. We urge residents to remain vigilant, and we are working closely with PSNI to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
The councillors also took the opportunity to emphasise “the importance of community solidarity during these challenging times” and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
They also thanked the staff of Ballynahinch Community Centre for looking after the affected residents and the PSNI.
