A security alert in the Glen Road area of west Belfast has now ended.

Police received a report at approximately 4.15pm on Tuesday, 17th March of a suspicious object in the area.

Officers attended the scene, along with a Police Search Advisor (PolSA) and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO), who conducted a thorough search of the site. However, nothing untoward was found and it was confirmed as an elaborate hoax.

A number of residents were advised to evacuate during the public safety operation, with Glen Road Community Centre opened to facilitate this. Those who were evacuated have now returned to their homes and all roads have been reopened.

Sergeant Horner said: “We appreciate that people were out of their homes for most of Tuesday night as this public safety operation was conducted and we thank people for their patience during this time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 988 of 17/03/26.

“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”