Suspicious object found in south Belfast believed to be ‘improvised grenade’

A suspicious object that sparked a security alert in south Belfast is believed to have been an improvised grenade, police have said.

Police said they would in the area overnight after the discovery at a property in Empire Street.

Army technical officers have made the device safe and removed it from the area.

A man in his 50s who was arrested as part of the police investigation will appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with a number of offences.

Residents of the street who were evacuated during the alert on Wednesday have been allowed to return home.

PSNI Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: “Our investigation is at an early stage, however we are aware of inaccurate online speculation regarding this alert and we advise the public not to rely on such sources for their information.

“Once again we thank the community for their patience and co-operation while we carried out this public safety operation.”