Suspicious object found in south Belfast believed to be ‘improvised grenade’

By David Young, PA

A suspicious object that sparked a security alert in south Belfast is believed to have been an improvised grenade, police have said.

Officers remained at a property in Empire Street on Thursday after the discovery on Wednesday.

Army technical officers have made the device safe and removed it from the area.

A man in his 50s who was arrested as part of the police investigation remained in custody on Thursday morning.

Residents of the street who were evacuated during the alert on Wednesday have been allowed to return home.

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