DETECTIVES say a security today was a hoax device.

Army Technical Officers were tasked to the scene following the discovery of a suspicious object.

As a result a number of people were moved from their homes.

Police said the object was later declared a hoax and taken away.

Detective Sergeant David Cameron said: “Police attended a report of a suspicious object at Bishops Brae in Downpatrick today.

“The object was declared a hoax by the ATO.

“It has taken away for forensic examination. All roads have reopened.”