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Man charged following Belfast security alert

Pacemaker Army Technical Officer vehicles and robot pictured on a street Pacemaker
Police and Army Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene of a security alert on Empire Street, south Belfast, on Wednesday

A 50-year-old man has been charged with a number of offences following a security alert in south Belfast.

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday.

Police said a suspicious object found on Empire Street is believed to be an "improvised grenade" and has been removed and made safe.

Residents who were evacuated on Wednesday have since returned to their homes.

Pacemaker A police cordon at the scene on Wednesday Pacemaker
Evacuated residents were advised to go to the Olympia Leisure Centre during the security alert

Ch Insp Mark Conway said the investigation is at an early stage but said police are aware of "inaccurate online speculation regarding this alert" and "advised the public not rely on such sources for their information".

He thanked members of the public, especially those who had to leave their homes for a time, for their patience and co-operation while police carried out the public safety operation.