Australian Extortion Attempt Involving Explosive Collar Ruled a Hoax

Wednesday's harrowing ordeal in Australia involving Madeleine Pulver and a collar bomb has been declared a hoax after the device was declared to be a fake.

Bomb squad members spent over 10 hours deconstructing the device before realizing there was no explosive material to be found. Law enforcement officials have also confirmed that the culprit wrote a detailed note that outlined his intentions.

Pulver's father told reporters that she was thankful for the assistance provided by police officers, in particular a young female officer who helped comfort her throughout the entire 10-hour ordeal.

Police Commissioner Mark Murdoch released a statement confirming that the device in question was an "elaborate hoax."

Madeleine is currently at home with her family and is in good spirits.

[BBC News]