Belfast primary school to reopen after security alert

A north Belfast primary school which was closed due to a security alert has now been made safe for pupils and staff to return.

Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School had to be evacuated on Monday after an “improvised weapon” linked to dissident republicans was found on the grounds.

The school remained shut on Tuesday but will reopen on Wednesday morning.

A statement from Holy Cross said: “Dear parents, we are glad to inform you that the school will be open as normal tomorrow.

“We apologise for the inconvenience that today’s closure may have caused, but we are assured that the school has been made safe and secure for all pupils and staff to return.”

A police spoksperson said: “The security operation at Holy Cross Boys' Primary School in north Belfast has now ended and the school will reopen as normal tomorrow morning.

"I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding since this began yesterday afternoon.

"This disruption was necessary in order to ensure there was no further risk to the children in the immediate area."

Three hundred pupils had to be evacuated from the school at Brookfield Street after the discovery of the device sparked a bomb alert.

It had been discovered by principal Kevin McAreavey after he and the caretaker lifted a manhole beside the school garden.

“There could have been great loss of life, great damage to the property and as a principal I’m absolutely appalled at what could have happened,” Mr McAreavey said.

Police described the device as an “improvised weapon” which they believe “has the potential to fire a high calibre round”.

They said it was likely to have been left there by dissidents with the intent of using it in an attempt to “kill or seriously injure” officers.

Belfast District Commander Jonathan Roberts condemned those responsible.

“This is an act of utmost recklessness and a highly stupid act, the people that have done this do not represent any kind of cause,” he said.

"What they have done is endanger the lives of children.

"It's a very, very dangerous act and I would appeal for anybody who has any information to contact the police.

"Our terrorism investigation unit have launched an investigation into the weapon and its history and who may have built it and who left it there.

"It's very important, particularly given the circumstances of where it was left, in the immediate area where children were playing, that anyone with information contacts police.”