POLICE say a security alert in west Belfast today, Sunday 17 May, has now ended.

Sergeant McKinley said:  “Police were notified this morning, at around 9.45 am, that a suspicious object resembling a pipe bomb-type device had been discovered close to a property in the Clonard Gardens area of the city. 

“Officers attended along with ATO. 

“The object, which has been taken away for further examination, has been declared a hoax. 

“And the road, which was temporarily closed, has now re-opened.

“We’re grateful to local people, many of whom have had their Sunday disrupted, for their patience as we worked to make the area safe.

“We would also take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information, or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 483 of 17/05/20.”

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.