A VIABLE device was recovered in north Belfast yesterday after a security alert was sparked close to Belfast city centre.
Residents were evacuated from their homes around North Queen Street during the early hours of yesterday morning as police and army bomb experts moved in to examine an object on the road.
A grey Volkswagen Golf, which had broken windows and been daubed with white paint, was also examined during the alert.
Sinn Féin last night condemned those responsible and said the car had been attacked in the area and a suspect device left in the vehicle.
Several roads in the area, including one lane of the Westlink, were closed during the operation leading to significant traffic disruption during morning rush-hour.
Police later said a viable device had been recovered during the alert.
PSNI Detective Inspector Paul Rowland said: "I want to thank local people and the wider community for their patience and understanding throughout the operation, which was necessary to ensure the safety of local residents and those travelling in and around the area".
"I would appeal for anyone with information about this incident, or who saw any unusual activity in the area to contact police.
Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee condemned those responsible for causing the alert.
"A number of homes have been evacuated and motorway traffic has been affected by this alert on North Queen Street," he said.
"A car was attacked in the local area and those responsible had left a suspect device in the car.
"This disruption to the local community is unacceptable. Incidents like these need to stop.
"There is no place for it in our society.
"Those behind these attacks need to end their war with the community. Anyone with information should contact the PSNI."
