A SUSPICIOUS device planted on the Twelfth of July has been declared a hoax.

The device was reported on the Moorlough road between Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea.

Speaking on Tuesday, Chief Inspector Rory Hoy said: “We received a report yesterday morning [Monday, July 12] of a suspicious object in the Moorlough Road area, between Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea.

“Police, along with Ammunition Technical Officers, attended the scene and the object has now been declared an elaborate hoax.

“The Moorlough Road, which was temporarily closed, has reopened.

“I’m keen to thank local people for their patience as we worked to make the area safe. I am also appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious to contact us at 101, quoting reference number 772 of 12/07/21.”

There was widespread political condemnation of the hoax. Rosemary Barton MLA said: "Once again we have the lives of the people of South Fermanagh disrupted due to a suspicious device. Whether a hoax or real, this unacceptable behaviour still brings fear to a community.

"The people of this area have suffered far too much over the years, many paying a very high price because of a terrorist campaign of murder and intimidation.

"They should now be left in peace to get on with their normal everyday activities, without disruption every few months.

"This sort of activity has no place in our society, with law-abiding people being inconvenienced. Sadly, there are obviously still people who have no thought for others.

"If anyone has any information in relation to this incident, please pass it on to the PSNI,” urged Mrs. Barton.