Devices found on city rail route

A bag was found at the side of the railway line

Crude but viable explosive devices have been found following a security alert on a railway line in south Belfast, police have said.

The alert began at about 2200 BST on Thursday after a member of the public reported suspicious activity on the line near the City Hospital halt.

Police found a bag at the side of the track and called in bomb experts.

After controlled explosions the devices were declared safe. A number of items were removed for forensic examination.

A number of houses at Utility Walk, Abingdon Drive and Egmont Gardens were evacuated during the alert. Donegall Road was also closed.

Police at Musgrave Street have appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them.