18/06/2014

Security Alert In North Belfast

A viable device has been found during a security alert in north Belfast.

The PSNI said officers were sent to Spamount Street in the New Lodge area on Wednesday morning after a suspicious object was found.

An army bomb squad arrived of the scene and confirmed it was 'viable'.

The alert ended at around 13:30. The device was sent away for further examination.

A number of homes were evacuated during the alert, but residents have since been allowed to return.

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Those criminal elements who have left a pipe bomb in a busy street have shown utter disregard for this community. Spamount Street is populated with families, many with young children and young people, some of whom had to be evacuated from their homes.

"To leave a viable device is more than reckless, it is endangering the lives of the people who live here. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious to report it to the PSNI."

(IT/JP)

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