A number of homes in the Victor Place area of east Belfast were evacuated on Thursday after a security alert, police said.
Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland were at the scene and had asked motorists to avoid the area while they dealt with the incident. Residents were moved from properties in the immediate vicinity as officers carried out inquiries.
A police spokesperson said teams remained on site as investigations continued, and urged the public to follow any directions from officers. No further details about the nature of the alert, any devices or potential suspects were released at the time of the report.
Neighbours described an increased emergency services presence in the street while evacuations took place. Local traffic was affected after authorities advised drivers to avoid the area, and diversions were put in place on nearby routes.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland routinely responds to a range of security-related incidents with precautionary evacuations and cordons to protect public safety while assessments are carried out. Officers will determine the level of risk before allowing displaced residents to return to their homes.
Further updates were expected as inquiries progress and police complete their examinations at the scene. Members of the public with information relevant to the incident were asked to contact the police through the usual non-emergency lines.