LAST UPDATE | 16 Aug

A SECURITY ALERT that was issued over a discovery at a GAA playing grounds in east Belfast has been ended as the devices were found to be hoaxes.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had advised the public to avoid the area as they investigated the report.

In an update this evening, PSNI Sergeant Boyd said that police had received the report just after 12pm saying that two suspicious items had been left in the vicinity of the playing fields in the Church Road area.

“Church Road was closed to all traffic for a time while Army Technical Officers carried out tests on the items, which were confirmed to be hoax devices,” Sergeant Boyd said.

“Once again, this has caused considerable inconvenience to those who live in the vicinity, but public safety has to remain our top priority. We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation while this operation was carried out.

“Our enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information which could assist with our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 657 of 16/08/24.”

The GAA grounds have been the target of sectarian incidents in previous years.

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey condemned the latest incident earlier this afternoon.

“It is absolutely sickening and disgraceful that police are dealing with yet another security alert at Henry Jones Playing Fields, used by East Belfast GAA,” the South Belfast MLA said.

“These disgusting attempts to intimidate children and adults playing sport on these pitches and to subvert the growth of Gaelic games in the area must stop. This is an attack on the entire community and must be condemned by all political representatives and sporting organisations,” she said.

“We must stand as a collective against this vile behaviour which is unwanted and uncalled for in today’s society.”

SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite wrote on social media: “A GAA club, soccer clubs, a school and nurseries are all impacted every time some neanderthal decides to cause havoc here. CCTV is coming and those responsible will be pursued.”