Northern Ireland

‘Improvised grenade’ recovered following Belfast security alert

A man in his 50s who was arrested as part of the investigation remains in custody

A police cordon at the scene of a security alert in the Empire Street area of south Belfast. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
A police cordon at the scene of a security alert in the Empire Street area of south Belfast. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN

Police remain at a property in Empire Street in south Belfast which was the focus of a security alert on Wednesday.

The scene has been reduced and evacuated residents have returned home after a suspicious object, believed to be an improvised grenade, was made safe and removed by Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO).

Police and Army Technical Officers remained at the scene on Empire Street on Wednesday afternoon. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
Police and Army Technical Officers remained at the scene on Empire Street on Wednesday afternoon. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN

A man in his 50s who was arrested as part of the investigation remains in custody and police enquiries are continuing.

Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: “Our investigation is at an early stage however we are aware of inaccurate online speculation regarding this alert and we advise the public not to rely on such sources for their information.



“Once again we thank the community for their patience and co-operation while we carried out this public safety operation.

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“A further update will be provided in due course.”