Aaron McIntyre said: “This alert caused real problems for people in the area and a number of houses, flats and businesses had to be evacuated. The level of disruption caused is troubling and anyone who seeks to cause such disruption is beneath contempt. My thoughts are with those who had to leave their homes on this cold evening because of the alert.
“Northern Ireland is a society moving forward to a shared and more prosperous future and we will not let the actions of a few hinder this real progress. Anyone with information in relation to this alert should contact police immediately.”
ENDS