School is closed and homes evacuated as bomb alert continues
A BELFAST primary school is to remain closed this morning as a bomb alert enters its fourth day.
A “significant” number of residents were forced to spend last night out of their homes due to the potential threat.
Police closed off Upper Dunmurry Lane yesterday after receiving further information about a possible explosive device left in the area.
It followed a weekend of disruption with reports of a device on Saturday sparking an alert which lasted until Sunday with nothing found.
Police said further information had been received on Monday and they returned to the scene. As a precaution they evacuated homes, a primary school and the local church.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School said it had been advised to remain closed today.
There was anger in the area over the ongoing disruption.
Sinn Fein councillor Charlene O’Hara said: “Those responsible for causing this alert in the area have brought local people nothtion ing but disruption and chaos in the month of Christmas.
“If anyone has any information about it then they should bring it forward to the police.”
SDLP councillor Brian Heading expressed his “deep regret” over the disruption.
“These attacks on the community must stop,” he said.
“People are entitled to lives in peace and safety.
“Anyone who has any informa- should contact the police.”
Superintendent Melanie Jones explained: “I fully understand the evacuation and road closures are causing significant disruption.
“However, public safety is our primary concern and we will not take any risks.
“I thank the community for their patience and understanding as we continue what may be a protracted operation.”