Portrush security alert over after two suspicious objects wrapped in Pride flags placed in Portrush

Police had said a suspicious object which sparked a second security alert in Portrush was also wrapped in a Pride flag.

The alert has now been declared over after police were able to establish both devices found were hoaxes.

Police had been conducting searches in the Hopefield Avenue and Hopefield Grove areas after a security alert overnight.

That was found to be a hoax device wrapped in a Pride flag.

The Alliance party said the alert was targeting one of its councillors as well as a former party representative.

The party condemned the action and there has been widespread anger at the incident.

A PSNI statement on Friday afternoon added: "The placement of these devices has caused untold disruption to the lives of local people, many of whom have had to leave their homes while we made sure the area was safe for them.“Those responsible care nothing for the impact they have on communities nor do they care about the fear and uncertainty their actions cause."

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