Henry Jones security alerts 'hugely frustrating' - Lyons

Security alerts at the Henry Jones playing fields in east Belfast are "hugely frustrating" and "not fair", according to the sports minister.

Gordon Lyons was speaking as police remain at the scene of an operation at the centre.

The pitches are used by the East Belfast Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club, among other sports.

It is the latest in a series of security alerts at the Belfast City Council-owned facility since 2020.

The Church Road was closed on Tuesday evening between Manse Road and Marlborough Heights after a suspicious object was found.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.

'Disappointing'

Speaking on BBC News NI's Good Morning Ulster, Lyons said he was willing to meet the East Belfast GAA club to reassure them following the latest incident.

"This is hugely frustrating and disappointing for all of those involved," he explained.

"I would call on anybody that is taking part in this to stop, I would call on anybody that has any influence to ensure that this stops.

"It's not right, it's not fair, and it shouldn't be happening, and I hope that's something that we can all unite behind."

Asked if he plans to meet club members following the latest incident, Lyons told BBC News NI: "I am certainly happy to do that, both privately and publicly, to show them the concern that I have over what has been happening and I'm certainly happy to help in whatever way I can."

'Relentless intimidation'

Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long also said the "relentless intimidation" was "intolerable and has to stop".

"It disrupts everyone using Henry Jones playing fields, neighbouring primary school children and their families and consumes valuable police resources," she added.

Young Ones Nursery, which is based close by, posted a message on social media to say they had been advised Wednesday's operation would last throughout the morning.

They told parents they hoped to reopen as soon as the road was cleared.

Green Party councillor for the area Brian Smyth said: ''This campaign of intimidation won't work, the club have every right to play at the Henry Jones site.''

He said that the council was in the process of "stepping up security measures".

Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Séamas de Faoite said that work would be starting in the coming weeks on CCTV and more security measures would be put in place.

"Those who are intent on causing mayhem to everyone who uses Henry Jones, along with the school and nurseries on Church Road, will be caught," he said.