'Viable device' found in south Belfast security alert

A "viable device" has been found by police and army bomb experts dealing with a security alert in south Belfast.

The alert began at about 22:30 GMT on Thursday as officers cordoned off Lavinia Square off the Ormeau Road.

Some residents were also evacuated from their homes but have since been allowed to return

Before the alert ended early on Friday, Green Party MLA Clare Bailey said one local family had taken refuge in her office.

"I have young children wrapped up in their dressing gowns who were taken out of their beds and a mother who are all just sitting here, waiting to go back into their homes again," she said.

"It's an absolute disgrace."