A suspicious device uncovered last night in east Belfast has been declared an “elaborate hoax”.

Residents were evacuated from their homes after a security alert at a house at Glenluce Gardens.

The object was discovered shortly after 11 pm on Wednesday night.

Army Technical Officers carried out a controlled explosion and the object was later declared an elaborate hoax.

Residents were allowed back to their evacuated homes at around 3 am this morning.

Detectives from the PSNI’s Reactive and Organised Crime Branch are conducting follow up inquiries.

Inspector Kerr Eastwood has appealed for anyone with any information to contact police at Musgrave on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.