*Updated 17.30*

A second security alert has ended in Antrim after an 'elaborate hoax' earlier in the day.

A security alert in the Main Street area of Cushendun in Antrim ended on Saturday evening, as the object was removed for further examination.

The PSNI said a number of homes in the Cushendun were evacuated, while the Main Street has reopened to traffic after being closed earlier today.

Police are working to establish a motive for this incident and are appealing to anyone with information to contact Coleraine Police Station.

It's the second security alert in Antrim today, after a number of homes were evacuated earlier when a suspicious object was found in Carrickfergus.

The area has now reopened to traffic and residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

The suspicious object has been declared an elaborate hoax and has been removed for further examination.

Police in the area are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them.