POLICE are at the scene of a security alert.

It follows the discovery of a suspicious object on Monday afternoon in east Belfast.

As a result, the PSNI has evacuated a number of homes and residents have been advised to used Inverary Community Centre as shelter.

Police have closed Parkgate Avenue between Connsbrook Avenue and Mersey Street.

Army technical officers based at Palace Barracks in Holywood, Co Down are currently at the scene.