‘Nothing untoward’ found after East Belfast GAA security alert

On Thursday morning, the PSNI said it received an anonymous call the previous evening stating “that a number of explosive devices” had been left at playing fields at Church Road in Castlereagh.

“Officers attended and closed the site and are maintaining a cordon at the scene until a full search of the site can be carried out. There are no further details at present,” the PSNI spokeswoman said.

However, later on Thursday morning a police spokesman said: “Officers have conducted a search of the playing fields at Church Road in Castlereagh and nothing untoward has been found. Police have now left the scene and the facility has re-opened.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact police at Strandtown on 101 quoting reference number 1693 05/08/20.

“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form here.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.”

On Twitter, East Belfast GAA said: “The club wishes to advise members of an incident that occurred during training last night. It is the club’s understanding that, during the course of training, the police received a call that a package had been left somewhere in the vicinity of the playing fields upon which our community in East Belfast, and the public at large, whose support we have enjoyed on a daily basis, to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of our members and patrons.”

The message goes on to say: “Our door remains open, to all. The matter has now been passed to the PSNI. The club does not intend to make further comment at this time.”

Alliance councillor Eric Hanvey has described the security alert as “an absolute disgrace”.

Cllr Hanvey said: “East Belfast GAA has received plaudits from right across the community, and rightly so, in their attempt to help build a better future in East Belfast by bringing people together via sport, so they can live, work and play together in peace.

“Those behind security alerts such as these are clearly not interested in something so positive but rather only division and destruction. They are unwanted in East Belfast or anywhere else, and I urge anyone with information on them to contact police with it immediately.”

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