West Belfast on high alert second time as police find ‘viable’ suspicious object
The area of West Belfast has witnessed a second security alert that happened shortly after police discovered a suspicious object.
Police are currently investigating the origins of the device found in the Glencolin Walk area. It was removed after experts declared it viable.
“The Glen Road, Belfast is closed between junctions of Shaw’s Road and Suffolk Road due to ongoing security alert. Motorists should seek alternative routes,” a spokesperson for the PSNI (Police Service in Northern Ireland) said, according to The Sunday World.
The security alert in Ramoan Drive has ended. Suspicious object has been declared a viable device.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) March 5, 2016
A number of people were evacuated from their homes located at Ramoan Drive on Saturday morning. As of the point of publication, the alert in that area ended and everyone was allowed to return.
The security alert in Ramoan Drive has ended. Suspicious object has been declared a viable device.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) March 5, 2016
The alert is especially intense as it comes only a day after an attack on a prison officer in East Belfast.
An under-car bomb partially detonated on Friday morning, causing a loud explosion.
A 52-year-old officer behind the wheel who suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries was taken to hospital. There were no other victims.
The level of threat to police was established as “severe,” which led to increasing of patrols across Northern Ireland.
The attack was described as “disgraceful and despicable” by Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, according to the BBC.
