Montreal police diffused what turned out to be an explosive device found in an alley in the Villeray borough Friday night.
Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at around 6:00 after a suspicious package was found near the corner of Villeray Street and des Erables Avenue.
Police spokeswoman Caroline Chevrefils says the SWAT team and a police robot had to be called in to neutralize the device. Investigators also aren't sure who the target might have been, as there was no note or any other indicator found at the scene.
Nearly a dozen residents living in the area had to be temporarily evacuated from their homes. Nobody was hurt.
The area around where the package was found remains closed while the arson squad continues to investigate. Villeray is closed between de Lorimier Avenue and des Ecores Street, while des Erables is blocked off between L.O.-David Street and Tillemont Street.
So far, police have not made any arrests.