LISTEN: Security alerts over in Belfast and Derry-Londonderry

By Rebecca Black, PA

Two security alerts in Northern Ireland have been declared over by police.

On Monday morning, St Columb’s College in Derry was evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious object in the Buncrana Road area.

It is understood the object was found at around 9am at a gate at a rear entrance to the school used by pupils.

PSNI Inspector Vince Redmond said a number of homes were also evacuated.

The alert came to an end this afternoon with a suspicious device declared an 'elaborate hoax' by Army Technical Officers

Residents who left their homes have now been allowed to return. 

Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan condemned the alert, which caused “major disruption”.

“This is disgraceful and the last thing that pupils, teachers and parents need this morning, particularly as children return to the first day back after the break,” she said.

Later, a number of roads and a medical centre were closed during a security alert in the Springfield Road in west Belfast.

In a statement, the PSNI said, "Police and ATO examined a number of suspicious objects, which were found by a member of the public in an alleyway this morning, and have declared them to be parts of a firearm and a number of rounds of ammunition.

"All the items have been removed for further forensic examination and all roads in the area have been re-opened."