PSNI: Security alert around Andersonstown Road "elaborate hoax"

By Adam Evans

The PSNI says a device found outside a property in west Belfast was an "elaborate hoax".

It had issued a warning a suspicious device was left in the Andersonstown Road area of the city around 10pm last night.

Investigations continue.

Inspector McCullough said:  "We received a report that a device had been left outside an address in the Andersonstown road area of the city, around 10.10pm last night, Saturday 15 September.

A security alert in west Belfast has ended. A device left outside an address in the Andersonstown road area last night has been declared an elaborate hoax. Enquiries are continuing. Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area yesterday evening should contact police on 101.

— PSNI West Belfast (@PSNIBelfastW) September 16, 2018

Adding that, "Following further examination, it was declared an elaborate hoax.  

"Our enquiries are continuing and I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area yesterday evening, or anyone with any information, to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1519 of 15/9/18.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."