Viable device found after two separate security alerts in Belfast

The Suffolk Road was closed for a period of time but has since reopened

A number of homes were evacuated during a security alert in west Belfast.

Police received a report of a suspicious object in Suffolk Road at about 23:50 GMT on Sunday.

Ammunition Technical Officers (ATOs) subsequently examined the object, which was deemed to be nothing untoward.

The Suffolk Road was closed for a period of time but has since reopened.

A viable device was discovered in the same area following a security alert last week.

Meanwhile, an overnight security alert in east Belfast ended on Monday.

Detective Inspector Kitchen said police received a report of a suspicious object located in the Middlepath Street area at about 19:15 GMT on Sunday.

"Officers attended the scene along with Ammunition Technical Officers who removed the suspected device for further forensic examination, which is being treated as viable," the officer said.

"Temporary cordons in the area have been lifted and no homes were evacuated during the public safety operation.

"Today we carried out a follow-up search in the area. Thankfully, nothing untoward was located.

"We would, however, appeal to anyone with any information to contact us."