Homes evacuated after ‘pipe bomb’ explosion in Belfast

Police have asked the public to avoid the area

The incident is reported to have happened in the Stanhope Street area of the city.

It is believed that a pipe bomb exploded at a property in the neighbourhood.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that cordons are in place and that a number of residents have been evacuated while the public has been asked to avoid the area.

The incident is reported to have happened in the early hours of Friday morning.

Sinn Fein councillor JJ Magee condemned the attack in a statement on X and confirmed no one had been injured.

"This is as a reckless and dangerous act that has left the local community in shock.

"This attack must be unequivocally condemned, and those responsible must stop immediately.

PSNI said in a statement: "Police are at the scene of a security alert in the Stanhope Street area of north Belfast following an explosion at a house in the early hours of Friday, 16th October.

"Cordons are in place and a number of local residents are being evacuated.

"Members of the public, including motorists, are asked to avoid the area at this time. A further update will be provided in due course."