Police responded to reports of two masked men carrying firearms in the Victor Street area of east Belfast at around 12.55pm on Wednesday, April 22. Officers searched a residential property at Victor Place and found suspected imitation firearms along with a suspicious device.

Several local residents were evacuated during the safety operation. Ammunition Technical Officers examined the suspicious device and declared it inviable. Residents returned to their homes that evening.

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm under suspicious circumstances. A man in his 20s was arrested later on the same charge.

Local policing Inspector Curry reported that the man in his 20s was released on bail for further enquiries, while the man in his 40s remained in custody as of the latest update.

Police enquiries continue. They asked anyone with information to contact 101 quoting reference number 687 22/04/26, use the online non-emergency form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.