Shankill Road evacuations as man arrested in terrorism investigation
Residents have been evacuated from a number of properties in the Shankill Road area of north Belfast as police carry out searches linked to suspected terrorism offences.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed on Friday 30 October that a 35-year-old man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act and remains in police custody.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have been searching two properties in the area as part of what police described as a proactive investigation.
Shankill Road evacuations follow discovery of items
Police said a number of items had been located at an address in Edwina Street during the operation.
As a precaution, residents have been evacuated from several nearby properties while officers continue their work.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area while the public safety operation remains ongoing.
The PSNI has not confirmed the nature of the items recovered or whether any explosive devices have been discovered.
Man arrested under Terrorism Act
A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with suspected terrorism offences.
Police have confirmed that he remains in custody while enquiries continue.
The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation, and no charges have been announced.
Police investigation continues in north Belfast
The operation follows searches carried out by specialist detectives at two properties in the Shankill Road area.
The Belfast Desk contacted the PSNI after receiving reports of security alerts and possible evacuations in the area.
Police subsequently confirmed the searches, arrest and evacuations in a direct response to the publication.
There has been no official confirmation of reports circulating online suggesting four separate bomb alerts or that the Spectrum Centre is being used to accommodate evacuated residents.
The PSNI has advised motorists to avoid the affected area while officers remain at the scene.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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