Major alert in Belfast amid ‘mortar’ find
The discovery of a suspect object, believed by police to be a mortar type device, has sparked a major security alert in Belfast.
The PSNI and army bomb experts are in attendance at the incident on Ballygomartin Road, close to the New Barnsley police station.
A large number of homes have been evacuated. The Ballygomartin Presbyterian Church Hall and the Whiterock Community Centre have been made available to anyone affected by the evacuations.
Part of the Ballygomartin Road has been closed between its junctions with Highcliff Gardens and Springmartin Road.
A police spokesperson said that Springhill Primary School will not open while the security alert is ongoing. Black Mountain Primary School has also closed.
North Belfast DUP MLA Alderman William Humphrey said the suspect device has the appearance of a mortar in a launcher tube.
“The resulting security alert has caused the closure of Springhill Primary School and Black Mountain Primary School, closure of upper Ballygomartin Road and local residents are being evacuated from their homes. The security forces have to be mindful of secondary devices so clearing this alert is likely to take some time,” Alderman Humphrey said.
“It is utterly appalling and disgusting that terrorists should put lives at risk by preparing such an attack. The fact that it was discovered close to two primary schools only adds to their recklessness.”
Pat Sheehan, Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, told UTV that the hundreds of residents affected are very angry over the disruption being caused.
“I’m absolutely disgusted – as are most of the residents in this area. Nobody wants this disruption,” he said.
“There are a large number of elderly people in Owenvale Nursing Home down there, whose lives are being disrupted by what is going on.
“There are women who are trying to get their children to school, whose lives are being disrupted.
“No-one wants it.”
He described the organisation responsible as “a parasite on the back of the community.”
Policing Board Chair Brian Rea said that although the target of the mortar device may have been police officers, whoever placed it also had complete disregard for the local community.
“It is only a matter of time before a member of the public is caught up in one of these reckless attacks and in this instance we are thankful for the vigilance of the police officer who spotted the device.
“Police do need the help and support of the community at this time. I urge anyone with information to pass it to the police or through Crimestoppers,” he concluded.
SDLP councillor Colin Keenan said: “Those behind this morning’s security alert in West Belfast deserve the condemnation of the whole community for the chaos and disruption they have caused.
“People in the surrounding area have being evacuated and children’s education disrupted with the closure of two schools. It is maddening to think people who are trying to go about their business are being disrupted and their lives but at risk due to the reckless and deranged mindset of a few.
“I would urge the community to be patient while the police secure the area and that anyone who seen anything suspicious comes forward to help the PSNI with their investigation,” the west Belfast representative said.
Ross Hussey UUP MLA has condemned the attack, saying this type of terrorism “which threatens law and order” cannot be tolerated.
“I salute the PSNI and our security forces for their fortitude and bravery as they protect the entire community,” the Policing Board member added.
Meanwhile, police are also dealing with a security alert in the Springfield Road area.
The road has been closed and army bomb experts have been tasked.
“It is not yet clear if both security alerts are linked,” a police spokesperson said.
“We apologise for any inconvenience however our aim is to ensure the safety of the local community and to protect everyone. We would ask the public for their patience and understanding as this policing operation continues.”
