The security alert at Rossnagalliagh in Derry has ended.
Technical officers examined the suspicious object which has been declared as an elaborate hoax.
It has now been taken away for forensic examination.
All roads have been re-opened and residents allowed back to their homes.
Local SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney says the incident has caused serious inconvenience to local residents and is appealing to anyone with information to contact police:
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