Security alert in south Belfast uncovers a firearm

DETECTIVES are examining a firearm which sparked a security alert in south Belfast on Wednesday.

Police closed the Donegall Road between Roden Street and the Belfast City Hospital rear entrance after a suspicious object was found.

Several homes were evacuated during the alert.

Army technical officers were tasked to the scene to examine the weapon.

It was later removed and is now undergoing forensic and ballistic tests.