'Bomb' was elaborate hoax

Army bomb experts declared the object a hoax

A device left outside a house in Strabane has been declared an elaborate hoax.

An Army bomb disposal team was called to investigate the device which was left on the windowsill of a house at Laurel Drive in the Ballycolman estate at 2300 BST on Monday.

Around 100 families had to leave their homes as the scene was examined.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the object, a small container with wires attached.

The police later said it was an elaborate hoax.

The man whose home was targeted was due to attend a family funeral on Tuesday.

He said his family was distressed and had no idea why they were targeted.

Former SDLP assembly member Eugene McMenamin said the family was in a state of shock about the incident.

"The family are totally devastated. Their two daughters and two young sons are totally devastated," he said.

"They just broke down and it is something that I will never forget.

"Why was this home targeted? I can categorically say that these people have never had any problem with anyone or anybody."