Castlereagh: Suspicious object found declared an elaborate hoax

Police secured the area around Henry Jones playing fields while they examined the object

A suspicious object found near playing fields on the outskirts of east Belfast was an elaborate hoax, police have said.

Two schools and two nurseries on the Church Road were closed on Tuesday morning for security reasons.

Young Ones reopened at 14:00 BST but Bumbles on the Hill and Lough View Integrated Primary and Nursery School will remain closed.

The road, which was closed for a number of hours, has reopened.

BBC News NI understands the object was found at Henry Jones playing fields.

East Belfast Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is among clubs which use the council-run sports facilities.

It is the second time this year there has been a security alert there.

'Frustrated' parents

One parent told BBC News NI it has been "an absolute nightmare" and young children have been left disappointed.

Phil Cole's three-year-old son, John, was due to start his second day of nursery at Lough View Integrated on Tuesday morning.

Phil Cole, with his sons John and Finlay, says parents have been scrambling for alternative childcare arrangements

"John was incredibly excited about going to nursery and he has been let down by this," he told BBC News NI.

"It's an absolute nightmare for parents."

Earlier, he said friends were "scrambling to arrange childcare" following the closure.

The school will reopen on Wednesday.

Amanda Steele said it was "unbelievable" the school was closed yet again due to a security alert

Amanda Steele was on her way to take her daughter, Iona, to Lough View Integrated when she received messages from other parents saying the school was closed.

She said hundreds of parents have been affected by the alert's disruption.

"I just find it really unbelievable in this day and age in a modern society, 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement, that we are dealing with children not being able to go to school because of bomb scares.

"I'm just honestly so frustrated. I'm really angry."

Amanda said the playing fields, where the object was discovered, are meant to be used by everyone in the area.

"It's just awful that people feel like they have the right to deny a club to play in those playing fields, have the right to deny children to go and play in those fields, and are closing a school," she added.

'Huge disruption'

Police said they received a report of a suspicious object at about 07:15 BST on Tuesday.

It was later declared an elaborate hoax and has been taken away for forensic examination.

A police spokesperson said the alert has caused "huge disruption for for pupils, parents and teachers alike".

"I would like to thank all those affected for their patience and co-operation whilst our officers worked to ensure the safety of all," they added.

Police at the security alert on Church Road

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Gavin Robinson said the disruption caused by the alert "does nothing but damage our community".

Alliance assembly member Peter McReynolds said those behind the alert "need to reflect on their violent and disruptive ways in 2023".

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Andy Allen posted online: "Those responsible for this security alert, causing disruption and fear, need to catch themselves on."

He encouraged those with information to contact police.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said the local school has suffered "due to the deranged mindset by a few over a GAA club".