Belfast News, Real IRA, Mortar Attack, PSNI, Breaking News

Belfast News, Real IRA, Mortar Attack, PSNI, Breaking News

A total of 100 homes and businesses in Belfast are to be evacuated for days as police search for evidence linked to a suspected mortar attack and shot fired at them.

Rest centres have been established and police hope most people can stay with family or friends.

Police said there could be an unexploded mortar device on the Glen Road in west Belfast. It follows the reported attack on a police patrol vehicle in the area last Friday.

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.”

As part of the operation, approximately 100 houses and a number of business premises in the Glen Road area between Suffolk Road, Glen Road and Shaws Road, and Glen Road will be evacuated.

There will also be traffic disruption on Hannahstown Hill and the Glen Road, and drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Local residents have been advised of the operation and have been given time to prepare before they need to leave their homes.

Rest centre facilities at the Glen community centre in Carrigart Avenue have been set up but it is hoped the vast majority of people will be able to stay with family or friends.