Mayo suspect device scare confirmed as 'an elaborate hoax'
GARDAÌ in Mayo have confirmed that the scare over a suspect device in Ballina yesterday was 'an elaborate hoax'.
Members of the Army's explosive ordnance disposal team attended the scene in the Mount Assumpta area after a report was made to An Garda Siochana.
A number of residents were evacuated as part of the operation.
The disclosure that the suspect device was not viable and the incident was a hoax has focused the garda investigation in a new direction.
A further gardaì update on the matter is expected to be outlined in due course.