A security alert in east Belfast has concluded following an operation involving police and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO).

The incident began at approximately 12.55pm on Wednesday, 22nd April, when police received reports of two masked men carrying firearms in the Victor Street area. Upon attending the scene, officers conducted a search of a residential property, where they discovered a suspicious device alongside a number of suspected imitation firearms.

A safety operation led to the evacuation of several local residents while the scene was assessed. Ammunition Technical Officers examined the suspicious item and confirmed it was inviable. Residents were permitted to return to their homes on Wednesday evening. Two men have been detained in connection with the incident. A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm under suspicious circumstances. A second man, aged in his 20s, was arrested later on the same charge.

Local policing Inspector Curry stated: "The man aged in his 20s has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries, while the man aged in his 40s remains in custody at 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 687 22/04/26."

Information can also be provided via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.