Children played near hoax device in West Belfast

By David Hunter

Police in West Belfast say they're "deeply concerned" by reports that children were playing near a suspicious object last night. 

A controlled explosion was carried out in Horn Drive, near Woodburn Police station.

A small white package which appeared to have a timer and several electrical wires was destroyed by Army Bomb teams before being declared a hoax.

Speaking after Chief Inspector Kellie McMillan said: "We responded to a report from a local resident that a suspicious object had been found in Horn Drive, to the rear of Woodbourne Police Station, at around 8pm.

"The object was examined by police and ATO and following a controlled explosion, was found to be an elaborate hoax.

"Whilst on this occasion the object turned out not to be a viable device, reports that children innocently playing in the area had come into contact with it prior to police being informed are deeply concerning.

"Whatever the intention of those who placed this object, it is clear that they wish to instil fear, disrupt the community and attempt to deter the delivery of a policing service to the community."