A security operation at Hilltown, Co Down, which had been ongoing since Friday, ended shortly before 10 p.m. last night after a suspect object was found to be harmless.
The security forces recovered a wooden frame, boots and clothing, as well as a gas cylinder with wires attached, from a field close to the Carmeen Road. The materials were taken away for forensic examination.
There had been speculation that the object was a body.
British army bomb experts moved in on Saturday to examine the hoax "body", which had been dumped in a lane between Hilltown and Mayobridge.
The area had been sealed off since Friday, when a local farmer discovered the figure, which appeared to be connected to a bomb.
The RUC was not sure whether it was a trap for the security forces.