A security alert in south Belfast has ended.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said: “Police received a report at approximately 10.10pm on Friday 20th June that an object had been thrown through a window at a property in the University Road area of the city.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the building where a suspicious device was discovered.

“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the object which was determined as viable and has since been removed for forensic examination. 

“A 34-year-old man was arrested under the Terrorism Act at the scene and remains in police custody at this time. It is important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, the motive for the attack has not yet been established.

“Detectives from Serious Crime Branch are currently working at pace and are exploring a number of potential motivating factors including the possibility that this is a hate crime.

“At this time, no other persons are being sought in connection with the attack. I urge anyone who was in the area at the time or may have information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1808 20/06/25.” 

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/