Police in west Belfast responded to a report of a suspicious object in the Glen Road area at around 4.15pm on Tuesday, 17 March. Officers attended the scene with Ammunition Technical Officers and a Police Search Advisor. They conducted a search and found no viable device, confirming the object as an elaborate hoax.

Residents from a number of properties were evacuated for public safety during the operation. The Glen Road Community Centre opened to support those displaced. All evacuees have returned home, and roads in the area are open to traffic.

Sergeant Horner thanked residents for their patience after spending most of Tuesday night out of their homes. He stated enquiries continue and asked for information using reference number 988 of 17/03/26. Contact options include calling 101, the PSNI online reporting form, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McLaughlin criticised those behind the alert for causing nuisance and disruption to the community on St Patrick's Day.