Police attend hoax security alert at east Belfast playing fields

Police were at the scene. Credit: UTV

A security alert at playing fields in east Belfast has ended after being declared an elaborate hoax. The army bomb squad spent time examining what appeared to be a suspicious object close to goal posts at the site on Church Road in Castlereagh on Sunday.

It has been taken away for further forensic testing. Among the clubs which use the pitches are East Belfast GAA.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report shortly after 11.20am this morning, Sunday 26th May, of a suspicious object located at playing fields in the area.

"Officers attended alongside ATO, and the object, which has been declared as an elaborate hoax, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examination.

“The playing fields were closed for most of Sunday afternoon and a number of roads were closed.

"Officers have now left the scene, the roads have fully re-opened and police would like to thank the local community for their understanding.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact Police on 101."

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