A security alert in the Belvoir area of South Belfast has ended, with police declaring it an "elaborate hoax."
The Castleward Park was closed at its junction with Belvoir Drive and Castleboy Avenue, with police attending the scene from 9am on Thursday, October 2. Residents in the area were evacuated amid the alert.
Issuing an update, the PSNI said two devices were left outside a property. Inspector Bell said: “We received a report just before 9am today, Thursday 2nd October, that two suspicious devices had been left outside a residential address in Castleward Park.
"Cordons were implemented and a number of nearby houses were evacuated.
“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the devices. The items have been taken away for forensic examination, but at this stage we believe this was an elaborate hoax.
"This was a distressing experience for the residents of the property and those who live nearby, who had to deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes. I would like to thank everyone affected for their patience while we worked to ensure the area was safe.
“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 317 02/10/25.”
You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
PSNI latest as alert ends
A security alert in south Belfast has ended.
Inspector Bell said: “We received a report just before 9am today, Thursday 2nd October, that two suspicious devices had been left outside a residential address in Castleward Park.
"Cordons were implemented and a number of nearby houses were evacuated.
“Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the devices. The items have been taken away for forensic examination, but at this stage we believe this was an elaborate hoax.
"This was a distressing experience for the residents of the property and those who live nearby, who had to deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes. I would like to thank everyone affected for their patience while we worked to ensure the area was safe.
“Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 317 02/10/25.”
You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
Army technical officers at scene of alert
Police and army technical officers (ATO) at the scene of security alert.
Police cordon in place
Castleward Park is currently closed at its junction with Belvoir Drive and Castleboy Avenue due to reports of a "suspicious object."
Buses unable to service Belvoir estate due to alert
Translink said Metro 6C/D and Ulsterbus 13/513/25C services are unable to serve the Belvoir estate this morning due to a security alert.
#MET #ULB Please be advised Metro 6c/d & Ulsterbus 13/513/25c services are unable to serve #Belvoir estate until further notice.
— Translink (@Translink_NI) October 2, 2025
Please see link for latest updates https://t.co/zBaU7TxEc2
Police statement
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are currently in attendance following a report of a suspicious object in the Castleward Park area of south Belfast. The road is closed at its junction with Belvoir Drive and Castleboy Avenue. Residents are being evacuated during this public safety operation. Will update in due course."
Thank you for joining our live blog
We will have the latest updates here on this ongoing incident.
