A security alert near a school in west Belfast has been declared a hoax.

The incident has been condemned by local politicians as students arrived back from their summer holidays.

Pupils from St Paul’s Primary School had been moved to Mica Day Centre because of a suspect package in the Beechmount Crescent area.

Army bomb experts were at the scene.

The nearby St Paul’s Parish Centre was opened for residents.

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has condemned the disruption caused by the discovery of a suspect package.

Mr McCann said: “The discovery of a suspect package in the Beechmount Crescent area caused disruption across the area.

“Pupils had to be evacuated from St Paul’s Primary School to the Mica Day Centre and St Paul’s Parish Centre was opened for any residents who needed shelter.

“Incidents like this serve no purpose other than bringing disruption to the community and they need to stop immediately.”