News

Bomb scare closes busy streets

SEVERAL busy Belfast streets were evacuated during a security alert last night after a suspicious object was discovered in a city centre post office.

The object was found in the premises at the junction of Bridge Street and High Street at about 6pm.

Businesses and shops were evacuated, including popular bar and restaurant the Northern Whig.

Police said British army bomb-disposal experts examined the object and "declared it nothing untoward". The alert ended shortly after 8pm.

It came as police issued a statement urging the public to be vigilant in the wake of an upsurge in dissident activity.

Last Friday night a dissident republican bomb in a sports bag exploded outside a busy restaurant in Belfast's

Cathedral Quarter. Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "We want everyone to have a safe Christmas and new year but we also have to mindful of the fact that there is a threat, principally from dissident republican groups, not just in Belfast but in towns and cities across Northern Ireland. "In recent weeks we have had to deal with a range of devices delivered in a variety of ways including vehicle-borne devices, letter bombs and devices within containers such as gas canisters and other less obvious household items. "It is vital that the public stay on their guard at all times. If you see anything which looks suspicious or out of place, it is important that you contact the police immediately.

"We are also advising business owners and managers to review security measures and check premises

thoroughly both during and after trading. An extra few minutes could make the difference - vigilance is the key."

* CHECKS:

A British army bomb expert outside the post office on the corner of Bridge Street and High Street in central Belfast last night. Right, soldiers prepare their bomb-disposal robot to examine the suspect object

PICTURES: Cliff Donaldson