18/03/2026
West Belfast Security Alert Confirmed As Elaborate Hoax
A security alert in the Glen Road area of west Belfast has concluded after a suspicious object was declared an elaborate hoax.
The PSNI received a report of the object at approximately 4.15pm on Tuesday, 17 March. In response, officers attended the scene alongside Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) and a Police Search Advisor (PolSA). Following a comprehensive search of the site, no viable device was discovered.
During the operation, a number of local residents were advised to evacuate their properties to ensure public safety. The Glen Road Community Centre was opened to provide regional support for those displaced. All residents have since been permitted to return to their homes, and all affected roads in the area have been reopened to traffic.
Sergeant Horner stated: "We appreciate that people were out of their homes for most of Tuesday night as this public safety operation was conducted and we thank people for their patience during this time.
"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 988 of 17/03/26.
"You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/."
The PSNI received a report of the object at approximately 4.15pm on Tuesday, 17 March. In response, officers attended the scene alongside Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) and a Police Search Advisor (PolSA). Following a comprehensive search of the site, no viable device was discovered.
Sergeant Horner stated: "We appreciate that people were out of their homes for most of Tuesday night as this public safety operation was conducted and we thank people for their patience during this time.
"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 988 of 17/03/26.
"You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/."
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