THE PSNI is investigating reports of an explosion heard in north Belfast.
Local residents said that a “loud blast” was heard in the Ardoyne district shortly before midnight.
Police patrols have stayed out of the area for fear it was ‘come on’ from dissident republicans in a bid to lure PSNI officers into the area for a possible terrorist attack.
Instead, the PSNI launched its ‘India 99’ helicopter into the skies above the Ardoyne district.
The helicopter was using its infra-red heat seeking camera to try and pinpoint the location,
At one point, the helicopter left the scene and returned to its base at Aldergrove to refuel before carrying out a second recce of the scene.
One local resident told Belfast Daily: “It sounded like a large blast.
“People have been out looking but can’t find where the blast came from. The helicopter has been up for a while now.
“No police have come into the area on the ground. They must be worried it is a bid to lure them in for an attack.”