Homes evacuated in security hoax

The suspicious package was later discovered to be a hoax

At least 16 houses were evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious package in a residential area in Northern Ireland, which turned out to be a hoax.

Police were called out to the Crawfordsburn Drive area of Maghera, Co Londonderry, after the discovery was made behind one of the properties.

A police spokeswoman said the drive had been closed to traffic.

Residents in the evacuated area had initially made arrangements to stay elsewhere for the night.