Simon Coveney evacuated from Belfast event after 'hijacked van' causes 'security alert'
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence was to speak at the Houben Centre in north Belfast
Last updated 25th Mar 2022
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, has been evacuated from an event in Belfast following a security alert.
Mr Coveney was speaking at the ‘Time to Build the Common Ground’ event at the Houben Centre in north Belfast at the time of the incident.
Downtown Radio & Cool FM Chief Reporter Sarah McKinley was at the scene.
It is understood the alert originates from a 'hijacked van' that was then parked in a chapel close by.
Mr Coveney had been speaking about the importance of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
He had told the event: "The patient work of reconciliation and deepening of relationships does need to continue on our own island."
A spokesperson for Mr Coveney said: "The minister and team are safe, have been taken to a secure location and the PSNI are doing their work."
Tim Attwood, from the Foundation said that the security alert was a reminder "to everyone that there is no role in our society for violence".
He added: "A suspect device will not stop the work of the John and Pat Hume Foundation."
In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are currently in attendance of a security alert at the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey.
More to follow.