The Five Demands

Evacuations amid unexploded bomb search (UTV)

Hundreds of homes in west Belfast have been evacuated during a police search for an unexploded device after a report of a mortar attack and shot on a PSNI landrover.

People evacuated from 100 houses and a number of business premises in the Glen Road area on Friday morning may not be allowed to return for several days.

Police confirmed a shot was fired at the vehicle last Friday night. They are now investigating a claim from dissident republican group Óglaigh na hÉireann that a mortar was also fired.

Searches were carried out earlier this week and follow-up investigations took place on Thursday night – but nothing untoward was found.

The PSNI have confirmed that the evacuation could be last for some time and local residents were allowed to prepare for this before leaving their homes.

Rest centre facilities are available at the Glen Community Centre in Carrigart Avenue.

West Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Emma Bond said: “We apologise for the inconvenience this causes however our aim is to ensure the safety of the local community and to protect everyone.

“It is imperative that we carry out this search as part of our investigation and we would ask the public for their patience and understanding as this policing operation continues.”

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey said that the dissident group have once again disrupted the nationalist community of west Belfast.

“This is all due to this group claiming they have fired a mortar in a built up residential area which has not been found.

“In doing so and in carrying out this attack they have shown utter disregard for this community, a community they purport to represent.

He added: “Those responsible need to issue a clear statement as to where this device would be, where it was fired from and why they carried out such a reckless attack in a built up, busy residential area.

“Further to this they need to realise there is no community support for their actions. The people of Ireland have very clearly chosen a peaceful political path and they should follow suit.”

One resident spoke to UTV of his disgust, adding that the whole area was in lock-down.

“People don’t know what way to turn. The people that have fired this device – it’s their responsibility. They’ve brought this hardship on the community.”

He also said the perpatrators should let someone know the location of the device is.

SDLP Upper Falls Councillor Tim Attwood said people in the Glen Road area are “extremely distressed” at being forced from their homes.

“People are rightly angry at those responsible for last week’s attack and this security alert. It is extremely frustrating for our community.

“I urge the police to secure the area and search it as soon as possible so that people can return to their homes.”

Police have advised that traffic will be disrupted on Hannahstown Hill and the Glen Road and are advising motorists to avoid the area.

Officers are appealing for information and have asked anyone who finds anything suspicious not to touch or attempt to move it but to contact the PSNI.