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Hoax bomb discovered in North prison

Maghaberry Prison - Device was a hoax
Maghaberry Prison - Device was a hoax

Army bomb disposal experts were sent into a top security Northern Ireland prison tonight following the discovery of a suspected explosive device, which has since been classified as a hoax.

The security alert at Maghaberry Prison, in Co Antrim, was the second in less than a month.

Another alert caused major disruption at Maghaberry before Christmas, forcing the cancellation of prison visits for a day, transfer of inmates to courts and, for several hours, shift changes by prison officers. It proved to be a hoax.

Over 100 prisoners given home leave for the Christmas and New Year period are due back tomorrow.