'Stress and anxiety' for residents out of their homes over security alert

The alert, which started after a suspicious object was discovered on Friday, continues

Some north Belfast residents are still out of their homes after having to spend the night in a council facility because of a security alert, police have said.

The alert, which started after a suspicious object was discovered on Friday in the area, is continuing, but some areas have reopened.

North Queen Street and Victoria Parade have reopened and some residents have been allowed to return home.

Police remain at the scene.

Some residents are still out of their homes

North Belfast MLA, Carál Ní Chuilín, said she had spoken to residents who had to leave their homes and stay in a council facility overnight.

"The safety of the public is paramount," she added.

Ní Chuilín paid tribute to Belfast City Council for going "above and beyond" to support residents.

"This incident caused a huge amount of undue stress and anxiety for the residents of Victoria Parade who had to leave their homes," she added.

She also thanked the emergency services and added that she will meet the Housing Executive to discuss repairs to any properties damaged during the security alert.

Ch Insp Pete Cunningham said: "We thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the course of this protracted security operation, in particular every resident who has been affected.

"Our primary aim throughout the course of this operation is to keep our community safe.

"However, we understand the security operation has caused, and continues to cause significant disruption, but it is required in order to keep people safe.

"We will endeavour to work through this situation as quickly as we can and get people back into their homes, but everyone's safety is our top priority and we will not take any risks with that."