South Belfast: Homes evacuated in carbon monoxide incident

The scene at Fane Street during the incident

More than 40 flats in south Belfast were evacuated on Wednesday night due to a carbon monoxide incident.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to incident in the Fane Street area at 18:45 BST.

The police assisted the fire service with the evacuation.

The public was urged to avoid the area and motorists warned of delays. BBC News NI understands that by 22:30 carbon monoxide readings were normal.

Belfast City Councillor Gary McKeown said it was a gas leak.

"A number of residents were evacuated and the Olympia Leisure Centre was used as an emergency rest centre," Mr McKeown said.

"Thank you to the emergency services and council staff for their response to this issue and the support they provided to people affected."

The police confirmed at about 23:30 that residents had safely returned to their homes.