A primary school in south Belfast has had to close for the day over a security alert caused by a “hoax device” again.
A statement from Finaghy Primary School on Friday morning said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control school will be closed today.
“This is on the advice of PSNI. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Updates will be issued in due course.”
The same school has been affected in similar circumstances on other occasions including in May 2021.
On that occasion, an individual had phoned Crimestoppers to claim a device had been left in the vicinity of the school.
Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw said the latest disruption had been caused by a “hoax device”.
“I condemn those behind this incident in the strongest possible terms,” she said.
“Residents, businesses, commuters and schoolchildren now all have disruption to their day, with the school particularly affected.”
She continued: “The fact this was a hoax lends a particularly sinister edge to these events.
URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT
— Finaghy Primary (@Finaghyps) May 16, 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control school will be closed today, Friday 16th May. This is on the advice of PSNI. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Updates will be issued in due course. pic.twitter.com/7sJwBlwYEB
“My thoughts are especially with the parents of Finaghy Primary School pupils, who are having to explain to pupils why their school is closed, and staff at the school, who will currently be managing this situation in a calm and professional manner.
“My thanks go to police and other agencies for their quick reaction, and I appeal for anyone with information to take it to the PSNI immediately.”
Police later said Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined an object before carrying out a controlled explosion.
“It has since been determined as a hoax device.
“A number of cordons which were put in place, have now been lifted and residents, who were evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes.”
