Northern Ireland

North Belfast: ‘Viable device’ found outside Ardoyne property

Residents in the Balholm Drive and Brompton Park areas have been affected

Police and ATO at the scene after Homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to a security alert, police have said. It is understood that a suspect device was found in the Balholm Drive area on Monday morning. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Police and ATO at the scene after homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to a security alert, police have said. It is understood that a suspect device was found in the Balholm Drive area on Monday morning. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
By Suzanne McGonagle

Homes were evacuated in north Belfast after the discovery of a “viable device”, police have confirmed.

It is understood the device was found outside a property in Balholm Drive in Ardoyne on Monday morning.

Residents in the Balholm Drive and Brompton Park area were evacuated.

PSNI Detective Inspector Alan Fenton said police had been alerted to a suspicious object at around 3.55am.

“The object, which has been declared as a viable device, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examinations,” he said.

“A number of homes in the area were evacuated as officers conducted a public safety operation in the area. Residents have now returned to their homes and all roads have re-opened and police would like to thank everyone for their understanding.”

Earlier, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said a device had been found in Balholm Drive.

Police and ATO at the scene after Homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to a security alert, police have said. It is understood that a suspect device was found in the Balholm Drive area on Monday morning. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Police and ATO at the scene after Homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to a security alert, police have said. It is understood that a suspect device was found in the Balholm Drive area on Monday morning. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

“It’s understood that a suspect device has been found close to the Crumlin Star club and that police are on the scene,” he said.

The North Belfast Assembly Member said Ardoyne Community Centre had opened to give shelter to residents.

“I condemn those responsible for this incident.”

Police and ATO at the scene after Homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to a security alert, police have said. It is understood that a suspect device was found in the Balholm Drive area on Monday morning. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Police and ATO at the scene after Homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to a security alert, police have said. It is understood that a suspect device was found in the Balholm Drive area on Monday morning. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN