A viable device - possibly an under-car booby trap bomb - which police have described as “designed to maim or kill” was found close to a primary school in north Belfast.
It was discovered around 12noon on Monday, and it is believed it may have fallen off from under a car.
Pupils at Springhill Primary School, and nearby Harmony and Forthriver schools were kept indoors while army bombs experts worked to make the device safe.
The Ballymagarry Lane remained closed on Tuesday morning
A number of homes in the area were also evacuated while Ballymagerry Lane was closed at the junctions to Ballygomartin Road and Lyndhurst Park for much of the day.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of what they have described as “a viable explosive type device”.
“At this stage police believe that this could have been an under car booby trap designed to kill and maim,” a police spokesman said.
“Police remain in the Ballymagarry Lane in North Belfast due to the security alert. Ballymagarry Lane is still closed and is expected to remain so overnight while investigations continue. The Ballygomartin Road is open to traffic.
“The device was discovered just before 12noon. A number of nearby houses were evacuated and schools in the immediate area were notified of the security alert whilst ATO carried out two controlled explosions. The device has since been made safe and taken away for further forensic examination.”
On Monday evening, detectives carried out a number of inquiries across the city centre. Halcombe Street and Middlepass Street have been closed whilst officers examine two vehicles in these areas.
North Belfast DUP MLA William Humphrey condemned those responsible for the device.
“The security alert resulted in the closure of Ballymagarry Lane, the only access route to over 250 houses at Lyndhurst Meadows and Heath Lodge,” he said.
“This caused huge disruption to hundreds of residents who were unable to get in or out of the area for many hours.
“Some local primary schools stayed open longer for pupils who were unable to get home.
“Belfast City Council established an emergency rest centre at Ballygomartin Presbyterian Church and I wish to thank the church for making their premises available.
“This device could have caused death or serious injury to the intended target or to any passing member of the public while it lay on the road.
“Those responsible have been entirely reckless and did not care who suffered the consequences of their actions. We are indebted to the PSNI and army bomb disposal officers who cleared this security alert.”
Anyone with any information about persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area over the weekend are asked to contact police in North Belfast on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.