THE security alert in Sandbrook Grove in east Belfast has now ended and residents allowed to return to their homes.

ATO examined a suspicious object discovered in the garden of a house in the area and have declared it to be a viable pipe bomb type device. 

This has now been made safe and removed for further examination.

Detectives are working to establish a motive for the incident and are appealing for anyone who witnessed any unusual activity in the area of Sandbrook Grove or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact them in Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 1295 01/11/19. 

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.