A security alert in Armagh City which caused major disruption to businesses and commuters has been declared an elaborate hoax by police.
The alert was raised in the Mall area on Sunday night after the discovery of a suspicious object.
The Mall area and the courthouse were cordoned off while an Army bomb disposal team examined the object.
"This is the second security alert in our city in the past week and is a very worrying development," said Armagh City's Mayor Thomas O'Hanlon.
"The people of Armagh have had to cope with severe traffic disruptions and inconvenience due to these incidents and I hope that this does not become a trend in the run up to Christmas.
"Those responsible for this activity have no respect whatsoever for local residents, children trying to get to school, people travelling through the city or for local businesses and traders."
'Disgusting'
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Newry and Armagh, Danny Kennedy, has expressed relief that a device found in Armagh city centre was an elaborate hoax, but has said that it is a "worrying sign of the times".
"The closure of the centre of Armagh as a result of a security alert was of course a massive inconvenience to local residents and business people, not to mention the principal, staff, pupils and parents of the Armstrong Memorial Primary School which had to close as a result of the alert.
"However, that being said, the fact that no-one was harmed is the main issue of concern."
He added: "Investigations have revealed that this was an elaborate hoax, which was placed deliberately and maliciously near to the war memorial in Armagh.
"Given the symbolism attached to the memorial, the location of this device is disgusting."
© UTV News