Residents of a street in north Belfast have been allowed to return to their homes after a security alert was lifted when police discovered two BB-style guns in the area.
The incident occurred on Eia Street, which is located off the Antrim Road, on Monday afternoon. Police had received a report of a suspicious object being found in the vicinity and promptly closed the street at its junction with Brookhill Avenue as a precaution.
Ammunition technical officers (ATO) were dispatched to the scene and subsequently recovered the two BB-style guns, which they took away for further examination. No other suspicious items were found during the operation.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. No arrests have been made so far in connection with the discovery of the BB guns.
The security alert led to the temporary evacuation of homes in the area as a safety measure while the ATO team carried out their work. Residents were able to return to their properties once the all-clear was given and the street was reopened.
Locals expressed relief that the situation had been resolved without any serious incident. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It was a worrying time, but I’m glad the police acted quickly to ensure our safety. It’s reassuring to be back home now.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The PSNI has reiterated its commitment to addressing concerns and maintaining the safety of the community in north Belfast.