East Belfast GAA: Second security alert confirmed as police return to scene

The incident followed an incident at the Church Road playing fields, home of East Belfast GAA, just hours after another security alert at the same location ended.

The alert was triggered by a report made to police shortly after 1pm on Wednesday afternoon about a suspicious object. A public safety operation was implemented, which involved the closure of Church Road between Manse Road and Ballygowan Road.

Ammunition Technical Officers attended and tests were carried out on the object, which has now been declared a fake and taken for further forensic examination.

Church Road has now fully reopened. Inspector David McKinley said: “We understand the disruption this incident has caused and I want to thank everyone affected for their patience and cooperation whilst the scene was made safe.

“An investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information relating to this incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 764 18/09/24.”

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The previous alert was previously stated as “nothing out of the ordinary.”

In an earlier statement, police said: “Police received a report at around 4.05pm on Tuesday, September 17 of a suspicious object located on playing fields in the area. Officers attended along with the ATO, and the object, which was declared to be nothing inappropriate, was removed.

“Playing fields and a number of roads have been closed. Officers have now left the scene, roads have now fully reopened and police would like to thank the local community for their understanding.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1158 17/09/24.

“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

A local councillor previously described a “concerted campaign” against the club as “completely depressing” – with multiple safety alerts since it was formed in 2020.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said it was “completely depressing” that the club was being targeted by one person or group of people.

“It’s having a huge impact on the area,” he said, “there’s an integrated school and an integrated daycare and people living there. It’s extremely disruptive.

“The vast majority of people in Belfast and east Belfast want nothing to do with those responsible.”

He explained that the council is planning to increase security measures by installing CCTV cameras and increasing lighting.

“I’m hopeful that when that happens, it will put an end to this.

“The club has every right to be there, that’s in Henry Jones and out of the way, not right in the middle of Newtownards Road. It’s literally on top of a very windy hill in the Castlereagh area.

“A lot of people support the club and CCTV is planned for this month so hopefully this will be over for good.”

Sinn Féin MP Deirdre Hargey also strongly condemned the latest “appalling” security alert.

“I am shocked by yet another disgraceful safety alert at Henry Jones Playing Fields, which is used by East Belfast GAA,” said the South Belfast MLA.

“Each of these horrific incidents is an attack on the entire community and is not welcome in today’s modern, inclusive Belfast.

“Gaelic Games are flourishing in every corner of our city and at every level of society. We will not allow a minority to drag us back and destroy our community.

“I would like to appeal to all community leaders and politicians to make it clear that there is absolutely no place for this type of behavior.”

News in progress – Tuesday, September 17