Police rushed to the scene in the Kingsway area, where cordons were put in place and residents were asked to leave their homes as a precaution, BBC reported.
Authorities have requested the public to avoid the vicinity while emergency operations continue.Local political leaders expressed alarm over the incident. Sinn Fein Assembly member Danny Baker said initial details remain unclear but appealed for calm, adding that he hopes no one has been injured.DUP leader Gavin Robinson termed the reports “deeply concerning” and warned that any attempt by dissident republicans to target police or intimidate communities must be dealt with firmly under the law.The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that officers are dealing with an ongoing security alert and said further updates will be issued as the situation develops.Meanwhile, Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood described the incident as “distressing and disturbing,” adding that it comes just weeks after a similar attempted attack in Lurgan involving a crude explosive device.She added that there were no reported casualties in the latest explosion and praised emergency responders for their swift action.
