300 homes evacuated in west Belfast bomb alert
Police say the alert serves no purpose but to cause disruption for those who live and work in the area.
Around 300 homes have been evacuated in west Belfast as a large security operation continues.
A number of roads remain closed after police recieved reports a bomb was left on Upper Dunmurry Lane.
It's the second alert in the area in the last few days. A similar report was made on Saturday, but extensive searches by PSNI officers over the weekend found nothing.
On Monday afternoon police say they were given more information about the explosive device and resumed the operation.
Chief Inspector Kelly McMillan says it's been hugely disruptive for the local community including businesses and schools:
"The police operation will continue today. We will work as quickly and safely as possible to enable those who have had to leave their homes, two weeks before Christmas, to return home as soon as possible - with the confidence it is safe to do so."
"It is a signficant disruption and we are acutely aware of the very personal impact this has on all of those people who live in the area, who work in the area, or who are educated in that area.
"We will work with our partners to provide as much support as we can."
Children at Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School are among those affected by the alert. They had to be sent home from classes yesterday and the school remains closed this morning.
Chief Inspecor McMillan says they are taking the information they received very seriously and the PSNI will not take any risks where people's lives are concerned. She could not give any timeframe for when the operation would end.
"There is a chance people could be killed or seriously injured if there is a significant device in that area and we will treat it appropriately and the police operation will take place today. It will be a thorough operation and we will bring it to a conlcusion as quickly and safely as possible."
"I personally don't see what purpose this serves, it has only led to causing significant disruption, to the local community, to the lives of young people, families, individuals, the business community in that area.
"It serves no purpose whatsover, and if anyone has any information regarding what exactly what has been left in that area and where it is, I would urge them to ring the police immediately."