A security alert in the Divis Tower area of west Belfast, which led to the evacuation of residents, has now ended.

The alert was initiated after police officers, investigating an attempted murder in west Belfast from Sunday, 23rd February, located a number of suspicious objects during a search operation on Thursday, 8th May.

Detective Inspector Quinn confirmed that at around 9:45 am on Thursday, officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team arrested a 61-year-old man. The arrest was made on suspicion of attempted murder following the search of an address in west Belfast. A vehicle was also removed from the area for further examination, and the man remains in custody.

The items discovered during the search have been taken away for further examination. The attempted murder investigation relates to an incident where a 49-year-old man was shot as he sat inside a taxi in the Bell Steel Manor area on the morning of Sunday, 23rd February.

Detailing Thursday's events, Detective Inspector Quinn said: "As part of the search operation, officers located a number of suspicious objects at the address. The items have since been taken away for further examinations."

"Police carried out a public safety operation in the area, with a number of residents evacuated from the Tower Block and road diversions in place. We would like to thank the local community and residents for their understanding."

Police enquiries are continuing, and they are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to the attempted murder incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 366 08/05/25. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.