Security alert halts Simon Coveney speech during north Belfast peacebuilding event

By Dominic McGrath, PA

A security alert in Belfast has caused the cancellation of a peacebuilding event attended by the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister.

Simon Coveney was speaking at the event organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation in Belfast when he abruptly ended his speech and was ushered from the room.

The Houben Centre, on the Crumlin Road, has been evacuated.

WATCH: Bomb disposal robot seen at scene of this morning's security in north Belfast. pic.twitter.com/jcuwvJtYyr

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Mr Coveney had been speaking about the importance of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

He had told the event: “The patient work of reconciliation and deepening of relationships does need to continue on our own island.”

A spokesperson for Mr Coveney said: “The minister and team are safe, have been taken to a secure location and the PSNI are doing their work.”

Tim Attwood, from the Foundation, told the PA news agency that the security alert is a reminder “to everyone that there is no role in our society for violence”.

He added: “A suspect device will not stop the work of the John and Pat Hume Foundation.”

A van was hijacked as part of the incident, according to North Belfast Sinn Fein MP John Finucane.

He tweeted: “The attack on an event involving Minister Simon Coveney at North Belfast’s Houben Centre today is disgraceful.

“Those behind the van hijacking which was left on church grounds have no place in society.

“While they try to bring back the past, we will keep working for the future.”

In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are currently in attendance of a security alert at the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey.

“There are no further details at this stage.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described it as a “worrying situation”.

He tweeted: “These mindless thugs won’t deter the John and Pat Hume Foundation from carrying out their work to further peace.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis has sent “solidarity” to Simon Coveney.

Mr Lewis tweeted: “I am aware of reports of an ongoing security alert in Belfast.

“I am being kept up to date and I am in regular contact with the PSNI.

“Solidarity with Simon Coveney and all those impacted.”