Alliance South Antrim MLA John Blair has hit out at those behind a hoax device which forced the evacuation of residents in Antrim.

The elaborate hoax was discovered at Castle Grounds, facing Antrim PSNI station, at 7pm yesterday (Monday). Nearby roads were subsequently closed off and residents evacuated until 2.30am this morning.

Mr Blair, who visited the scene, said it did nothing but cause disruption to local people.

“Those behind this device have shown absolutely no regard for the local community or the disruption caused. I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.

“I went to the scene and the emergency support centre to thank in person the PSNI and the statutory agencies for their help during this incident.

“Local people do not want this disruption to their lives, which achieves nothing but taking us back to the past, and I urge those behind it to rethink their actions. I ask anyone with information on this incident to contact police immediately so those responsible can be caught.”