A suspicious object which sparked a security alert on Tuesday afternoon on the Upper Newtownards Road in Dundonald has turned out to be an elaborate hoax.
The security alert has now ended.
The suspicious object was examined by army technical officers and has been declared an elaborate hoax.
The Upper Newtownards Road has re-opened and the item has now been removed for further forensic examination.
Detectives would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Upper Newtownards Road area between Stoney Road and Comber Road recently or who has any information which could assist them with their enquiries to contact them in Lisburn on 101 quoting reference number 1132 22/09/20.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.