A VIABLE device has been discovered during a security alert in south Belfast.
Police and Army Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene on Friday on the Upper Lisburn Road, near Finaghy.
The device was found on a footpath and has been removed for further examination.
Police said the device could have easily been discovered by children with "potentially devastating consequences".
"I'd like to thank local people, who have had their evening disrupted, for their patience as we worked to make the area safe," a spokesman said.
"The device was found on a footpath, where anyone – including children – could easily have come across it.
"This was a wicked and cowardly act, with potentially devastating consequences, and we are working to establish a motive and identify those responsible."
Police appealed for anyone with information to phone detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1287 of 05/06/20, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Upper Lisburn Road was later reopened to traffic.
