LAST UPDATE | 28 Jul 2020

A SUSPECT DEVICE has been found outside a Sinn Féin office in Belfast last night.

Police received a report that the object was left at the front gates of Connolly House on the Andersonstown Road at around 10.15pm.

Officers carried out a public safety operation, and the device was later found to be a hoax.

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey criticised those responsible.

“This office provides an invaluable service to our community on a daily basis and has done sterling work during the Covid-19 pandemic to support the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.

“We will not deterred by those attacking a community asset. Sinn Féin will continue to work to deliver for constituents and to build a just, equal and united Ireland.”

The property was previously damaged in an arson attack in August 2018.

In a statement, PSNI Inspector Robert Jeffers thanked the local community and those impacted as they dealt with the incident last night.

He also appealed to anyone with information about the device to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers.