PSNI at scene of security alert in south Belfast

The Benmore Place area in south Belfast was closed for most of yesterday (Friday 16th) due to an on-going security alert.

A PSNI statement said: "The public are advised to avoid the Benmore Place area in south Belfast due to a security alert. Cordons are in place and a further update will be issued in due course."

A 'suspicious object' was found.

The object was examined by officers before they carried out a controlled explosion.

It's since been declared a hoax device and the security alert has ended.

Chief Inspector Dunne said: “Police received a report at approximately 3am on Friday 16th May, that a suspicious device had been left a property in the Benmore Drive area.

“Officers carried out a search of the area and the object was located.

“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the 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.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as searches were carried out. We appreciate this has caused inconvenience, but public safety is our priority.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone with information that could assist with our investigation to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 133 16/05/25.”

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/