Belfast security alerts declared hoaxes

Five security alerts which caused disruption in Belfastthis morning have been declared hoaxes by the security forces.

Offices and retail premises were evacuated while security forces searched for the devices. The five alerts were later declared hoaxes.

The Assistant Chief Constable, Mr Alan McQuillan, condemned the hoaxes. He said each call should be taken seriously and that police had to exercise "extreme caution."

Condemning those responsible, he said: "The only thing they have to offer is more misery."

Police blamed the Continuity IRA for an attack last weekwhenan incendiary-type bomb partially exploded in a van that had been abandoned in Franklin Street in Belfast city centre.