East Belfast Security alert: PSNI make arrests after report of two masked men with firearms in Victor Street area
The PSNI has made two arrests after a report of two masked men with firearms in east Belfast.
A security alert began on Wednesday after police received a report of two masked men with firearms in the Victor Street area of the city.
Police searched a residential property, where a number of suspected imitation firearms and a suspicious device were discovered.
A number of local residents were evacuated while a safety operation was conducted.
A man aged 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 suspicion of the same offence.
Army bomb disposal officers attended the scene and examined the item which was thankfully deemed to be non-viable.
Residents were able to return to their homes on Wednesday evening, with police thanking them for their patience.
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.
Police enquiries are ongoing and they are appealing to anyone with any information which might them to contact 101, quoting ref number 687 22/04/26.
The public 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/