Security alert in Belfast

Almost 200 families in Belfast could be facing a night out of their homes because of a security alert, it was announced tonight.

Police are working to establish what and where the device is, following a warning given to the Samaritans last night.

It comes after shots were fired in the Glenview Street area overnight.

Last January, an alert caused a number of days of disruption in the area.

PSNI Superintendent Amanda Cooke is appealing for locals to be patient.

"People who have been evacuated need to give us a bit of time and patience," she said.

"I want to reassure them that public safety is my number one priority here.

"I will not let anyone back until we're sure that the area is safe, but we have to move people out to let the safety operation take place."