Jessica Lawrence of BBC News NI reports that there is an ongoing security alert in north Belfast, with entrances to Cave Hill Country Park and Belfast Castle on the Antrim Road being closed. The public has been advised to steer clear of the area at this time. Residents have relayed hearing a series of controlled explosions originating from Cave Hill, commencing around 08:00 BST.
One resident living in Downview Park West near the country park mentioned that police began patrolling the gates from approximately 21:20 BST on Tuesday night. Following this, a cordon was established at the nearby park entrance early Wednesday morning as he ventured out to walk his dogs. Tourists in the vicinity were left disappointed as they were unable to access the castle, including Doug Hayward from Fort Worth, Texas, who had journeyed to Belfast Castle with his wife after their flight to Edinburgh got canceled.
Mr. Hayward expressed their predicament, stating that they were stranded at the airport and decided to return to Belfast for the day to explore the city. However, with the closure of the castle, they intended to head back to the city center. North Belfast MP John Finucane confirmed the closure of both the park and castle entrance on the Antrim Road, advising the public to steer clear of the area until the incident is resolved. Belfast City Council acknowledged the security alert in the vicinity, with BBC News NI seeking comment from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
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