Northern Ireland

Public urged to 'stay vigilant' following report of device left in west Belfast

Police urged people in the Poleglass area of west Belfast "not to touch any suspicious objects" following a report that a device had been left in Pantridge Road area. Picture by Ann McManus
Police urged people in the Poleglass area of west Belfast "not to touch any suspicious objects" following a report that a device had been left in Pantridge Road area. Picture by Ann McManus Police urged people in the Poleglass area of west Belfast "not to touch any suspicious objects" following a report that a device had been left in Pantridge Road area. Picture by Ann McManus

POLICE last night urged members of the public in the Poleglass area of west Belfast "not to touch any suspicious objects" following a report that a device had been left in the area.

A report about the device in the Pantridge Road area was made to police at around 6pm on Saturday.

Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said: "We are working to establish the location of this item, but in the meantime we would ask the public to stay vigilant.

"As we work to keep people safe, I would re-emphasise to the local community and people travelling through it that they should be mindful of their own personal safety. If anyone comes across anything suspicious, they should contact police immediately on 101".

Meanwhile, police said a device left in Andersonstown area of west Belfast at the weekend was an "elaborate hoax".

Officers received a report that a device had been left outside an address in the Andersonstown Road area at around 10.10pm on Saturday and advised members of the public not to touch anything suspicious in the area.

It is understood the object was made up of a bucket with plastic plastic bottles placed inside.

Police said yesterday that "following further examination" the object had been "declared an elaborate hoax".

A spokeswoman said: "Our enquiries are continuing and I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area yesterday evening, or anyone with any information, to contact police on the non-emergency number 101."