THE security alert in south Belfast has ended and residents have been allowed back into their homes.

Homes were evacuated earlier this afternoon after the alert was sparked after a suspicious object was discovered on the Ormeau Road.

The road was been closed between Stranmillis embankment and University Street and diversions are in place.

However, police now say Army Technical Officers examined the device and declared it as “nothing untoward”’

Translink says its Metro 7A and 7B of Four Winds and Laurelgrove services, which weree being diverted up the Ravenhill Road, have returned to their normal route.