Ballina device an ‘elaborate hoax’ say gardaí

Anton McNulty

AN elaborate hoax is how gardaí are describing a device which was found outside a house in Ballina in the early hours of yesterday morning (Monday).
A suspect device was discovered at approximately 3am outside a house in the Mount Assumpta area of Ballina, which resulted in the area being sealed off and some residents having to be evacuated overnight.
The Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal service arrived in Ballina early on Monday morning and took away the device for examination before the area was deemed safe and re-opened to the public.
Gardaí are currently investigating the matter but say the device was not believed to have been viable and was described the event as an ‘elaborate hoax’.
“Gardaí in Ballina are following certain line of enquiries but it is not believed that the incident is gangland related,” a garda spokesperson said.
Anyone who has any information regarding the incident is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560.