A security alert in North Belfast which closed the Antrim Road for a number of hours was due to a 'viable pipe bomb', the PSNI has reported. The alert started shortly before 6pm, and has come to an end at 11pm.
Specialist officers were called to the scene when a report was made of a suspicious object. On investigation, police now say they found a 'viable pipe bomb type device'.
As of 11pm, they said the device has been made safe and will be examined further. The alert has come to an end and the Antrim Road has reopened as normal.
READ MORE: Live updates as police attend security alert in North Belfast
In a statement, the PSNI said: "A security alert on the Antrim Road in north Belfast has ended. Police and Ammunition Technical Officers attended the scene following the discovery of a suspicious object earlier today, Thursday 11 May.
"A viable pipe bomb type device has been made safe and has been taken away for further examination. The Antrim Road has fully re-opened.
"Thank you to the local community for their patience and understanding while this public safety operation was carried out. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who may have any information which could assist with the investigation should contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 878 of 11/05/23.
"A report can also be submitted a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
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