Pipe Bombs And Ammunition Found During Security Alert

Five pipe bombs and a quantity of ammunition have been found during a security alert in west Belfast.

Residents were evacuated from their homes during the alert which happened in the Conway Street area on Tuesday, 21 February, however they have since returned and the road has been reopened.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "ATO examined a number of suspicious objects discovered during the search of a house and have declared them to be a number of pipe bomb type devices. A quantity of ammunition has also been discovered during the search. All of the items have now been removed for further examination."

The search was part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime associated to the INLA.

SDLP West Belfast Assembly Candidate Alex Attwood said: "The arms find is a welcome intervention against terror and criminality.

"It is the type of firm policing that is needed. We need it month in and month out, year in and year out.

"That is what I have been saying to the police. That is what gives people confidence. That is what will encourage people to further help the police in their efforts.

"INLA represent a serious threat to the welfare of people and the community. All must face it down."

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn said: "This discovery of five pipe bombs and ammunition in west Belfast was part of an ongoing PSNI investigation into criminal and terrorist groups. I congratulate the police on this success, which has potentially saved lives by removing these weapons from the hands of terrorists.

"Pipe bombs used in residential areas do not discriminate in who is injured or killed. They also put at risk people living in houses adjacent to where they were stored as they can be unstable.

"Public support for the police can help remove these deadly devices from the community. Anyone with information about these items, or about criminality, should pass it to the police on the 101 number or to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."

(CD)