POLICE have said a car at the centre of a security alert on the outskirts of west Belfast may be linked to a vicious armed robbery earlier his month.
Several controlled explosions were carried out on the vehicle in Azalea Gardens in the Twinbrook estate.
Police said they believe it may be connected to a robbery of office premises in Dunmurry last Monday in which two female members of staff were attacked.
Three men dressed as postmen, including one armed with a suspected gun, targeted the offices in The Cutts area and made off with cash.
The security alert involving the car began on Friday night.
Residents were not forced to leave their homes but were advised to stay towards the rear of the properties.
The police operation ended on Saturday afternoon and a number of items were taken away for further examination.
PSNI Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said: "We suspect that this car - a black Ford Mondeo - may be connected to a robbery at office premises in The Cutts area on Monday 3 April when three men, dressed as postmen and one armed with a suspected firearm, entered the offices, assaulted two female members of staff and made off with a sum of money.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the local community, who have been inconvenienced during the operation, for their patience."
Police have also appealed for anyone with information about the robbery or who saw any suspicious activity in the Azalea Gardens area to contact them.
