A major security alert in north Belfast has come to an end after police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 30s and the discovery of suspected explosive devices and firearms.
The incident began on Friday morning when a suspicious object was found at a property on Victoria Parade, prompting a large-scale police response. The discovery forced residents from their homes and led to widespread disruption across the local community. Some displaced residents were housed in a council facility for the duration of the searches.
Police said Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) carried out a series of controlled explosions on multiple objects found at the property during the three-day operation. Among the items seized were suspected explosive devices and firearms, some of which have since been removed for forensic examination.
Following the completion of the operation, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that residents have been allowed to return to their homes, and roads that were closed during the alert have now been reopened.
Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham of the PSNI described the incident as a “hugely disruptive and distressing experience” for the local community.
“This was an extremely distressing experience for residents, who had to deal with the huge disruption to their community alongside the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone affected for their patience while we worked to make the area safe.”
The man arrested in connection with the incident is currently in custody and is being questioned on suspicion of multiple offences. Police did not provide further details regarding the nature of the charges but confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Local residents expressed relief that the ordeal had come to an end but voiced frustration at the level of disruption it caused. For many, the three-day displacement highlighted the lingering risks associated with security-related incidents in Northern Ireland.
The incident is a stark reminder of the continuing threat posed by illegal weapons and explosives in certain communities. While police have not specified whether the discovery is linked to dissident activity or organised crime, the scale of the operation suggests that officers are treating the matter with significant seriousness.
The PSNI has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. “If you know anything that could help our investigation, please contact police immediately,” Ch Insp Cunningham added.
The end of the alert has allowed Victoria Parade and surrounding areas to return to normality after three days of fear and disruption. However, the forensic analysis of the recovered items is expected to take time, and the man in custody may face further questioning in the coming days.
For now, north Belfast residents can begin resuming daily life after a tense and unsettling ordeal that tested community resilience.
