Northern Ireland

'Suspicious object' found in Belfast

Police closed off Springfield Road at its junction with Lanark Way as a bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious object found at the security gates. Picture by Cliff Donaldson
Police closed off Springfield Road at its junction with Lanark Way as a bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious object found at the security gates. Picture by Cliff Donaldson Police closed off Springfield Road at its junction with Lanark Way as a bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious object found at the security gates. Picture by Cliff Donaldson

A SECURITY alert was under way in Belfast on Monday night following the discovery of a suspicious object.

Cordons were put in place by police on Springfield Road and Lanark Way after the alarm was raised. A controlled explosion was carried out by bomb-disposal experts.

Sinn Féin councillor Claire Canavan said the alert had caused “serious disruption” and residents were forced to evacuate their homes.

“It’s very upsetting for local residents caught up with all this disruption,” she said.

“Those responsible for this incident care nothing for the people who live in this area.”

SDLP councillor Tim Attwood tweeted: “Disgraceful that suspicious device at Lanark Way and Springfield Road is causing problems for residents and motorists. PSNI have urged people to avoid the area.”

A police spokesman said: “Road closures are in place on the Springfield Road and Lanark Way in north Belfast due to the discovery of a suspicious object.

“There are no further details at present.”