A security alert at playing fields on the outskirts of east Belfast has ended after police said it had been “an elaborate hoax”.
Police and Army technical officers attended Henry Jones Playing Fields in the Castlereagh area earlier.
The playing fields were closed and road users were urged to avoid Church Road as searches were carried out.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it received a report shortly after 11.20am on Sunday of a suspicious object at the playing fields.
PSNI Inspector Carey said “the object, which has been declared as an elaborate hoax, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examination”.
“The playing fields were closed for most of Sunday afternoon and a number of roads were closed,” the inspector said.
“Officers have now left the scene, the roads have fully reopened and police would like to thank the local community for their understanding.”
Police said enquiries were continuing and appealed for anyone with information to contact them.