Residents return to homes after security alert

Homes were evacuated as police attended a security alert in west Belfast.

Cordons were in place on the Glen Road after police received a report of a suspicious device in the area on Tuesday evening.

The Glen Road Community Centre opened to facilitate residents.

In a post on social media SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said the road was "blocked just past Coolnasilla, causing real disturbance for residents".

"It's a disgrace that families and local people, who should be enjoying time together on St Patrick's Day, have had that disrupted in this way - with people trying to make their way home now stranded," he said.

Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McLaughlin said those behind the security alert "bring nothing to this community but nuisance and disruption".

"On St Patrick's Day, a day that should be one of celebration, this is causing unnecessary disruption, forcing residents out of their homes."

Police issued a statement on Wednesday morning to say the alert had ended.