Northern Ireland

Security alert at East Belfast GAA playing fields condemned

It is the latest in a series of incidents which have taken place at the Henry Jones pitches

A security operation underway at playing fields used by East Belfast GAA. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
By Caoimhe Quinn McCullough

NAOMI Long has called for the “relentless intimidation” of the East Belfast GAA to stop amid another security alert at their playing grounds.

Police remain in attendance this morning following the discovery of a suspicious object at at the Henry Jones playing fields in the Church Road area of east Belfast last night.

The road was closed between Manse Road and Marlborough Heights.

It is the latest in a series of incidents which have taken place at the playing fields since the East Belfast GAA started using the pitches in 2020.

The East Belfast MLA and Stormont justice minister said on Twitter: “This relentless intimidation is intolerable and has to stop.

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“It disrupts everyone using Henry Jones playing fields, neighbouring primary school children & their families and consumes valuable police resources.”

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey also condemned the ‘appalling’ incident. She said: “Every one of these appalling incidents are an attack on the entire community, and are not welcome in today’s modern, inclusive Belfast,” she said.

“Gaelic Games is flourishing in all corners of our city and at every level of society, we will not allow a minority to drag us back and bring our community down.

“I would call on all community and political leaders to make it clear that there is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour.”

Meanwhile SDLP councillor Séamus De Faoite said a plan for increased security measures is due to be delivered in the coming weeks.

“There are no words for how frustrating this is,” he said.

“Thankfully work is starting in the coming weeks on CCTV and more security measures.

“Those who are intent on causing mayhem to everyone who uses Henry Jones, along with the school and nurseries on Church Road will be caught.”

In a brief statement on Tuesday evening a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are currently at the scene of a security alert following the discovery of a suspicious object at playing fields in the Church Road area of east Belfast.

“Church Road has been closed between Manse Road and Marlborough Heights and members of the public are advised to avoid the area at this time.

“Further updates will be issued in due course.”