POLICE dealt with a suspicious object that had been thrown at a house in the Bylthe Street area of south Belfast last night.

Following examination by Army Technical Officers it was declared an elaborate hoax.

A number of houses in the Sandy Row area were evacuated during this security alert which started around 11.30 pm.

Residents were allowed back into their homes at approximately 3.00 am.

Detective Sergeant Melanie McGrory said: “I would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this operation.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident to contact Detectives in Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101.

“Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”