Man in hospital after suspected explosion inside car in south Belfast

A man is in hospital following a suspected explosion inside a car in the Newton Park area of south Belfast, PSNI said (Liam McBurney/PA)

A man is in hospital following a suspected explosion inside a car in the Newton Park area of south Belfast, PSNI said.

The man is receiving treatment for facial injuries, while police and Ammunition Technical Officers remain on the scene.

Cordons are in place and a number of homes have been evacuated. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

We are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Newton Park area. One man has been taken to hospital. Cordons are expected to remain in place overnight and a number of homes have been evacuated pic.twitter.com/VNGJ0EzA8d

— Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) August 20, 2022

Ballymaconaghy Road, Manse Road and Cairnshill Road have also been closed while police carry out enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number 2055 19/08/22.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.