A Hackney neighbourhood was locked down on October 24 over what turned out to be a hoax about an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.

As armed police investigated the Satter Mews (N16) area, residents were asked to stay inside, with the police evacuating and restricting access to neighbouring streets.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 8.30pm, turned out to be a hoax – there was no person in mental health crisis and no threats made against the public.

Police allowed people back onto local roads in the early hours of the following day, according to an official update released on Twitter.

“I recognise the significant concern this incident will have caused local people while it was ongoing. It was established that there was no person in mental health crisis, no reports of any injuries and no risk to the wider community,” acting chief superintendent, Mike Hamer said.

Hackney Council opened a rest centre for the residents who could not access their homes during the incident and updated the public through social media.

Some resident took to Twitter to ask what was going during the lockdown.

Local singer Phoebe Coco said: “What is happening? We are currently not able to leave the leisure centre”.

Hackney resident, Billie Long, asked about her friend, a resident in the temporarily restricted area.

“My friend is stuck at home alone worried as her flatmates cannot enter the building and has been told to stay away from the windows. If there are any updates, please share so residents know what’s happening”.