Dublin bomb scare 'a hoax'

The Defence Forces have described a bomb scare in a Dublin city centre hotel last night as an elaborate hoax.

More than 2,000 people were evacuated when the suspect device was discovered at the Clifden Court Hotel on Eden Quay shortly after 11pm.

Gardaí at Store Street were alerted and the area was immediately sealed off while guests in the hotel and bar and those living in the vicinity were evacuated.

The Army Bomb Disposal Unit was called in and a controlled explosion was carried out after which the area was declared safe.

The area was re-opened at around 1am.

No arrests were made and gardaí have said that investigations are ongoing.

They have appealed to anyone with any information in connection with this incident to contact them at Store Street.