It’s been reported earlier today (23 April) that a number of viable pipe bomb type devices, as well as a quantity of ammunition, were found in the Cavehill area, causing the entrances to Cave Hill Country Park and Belfast Castle on the Antrim Road to be closed for a significant period of time.

Cllr Nelson has said: “The sheer lack of regard for the safety of the public shown by those responsible for this is as shocking as it is utterly abhorrent.

“This is a shared space that’s hugely popular with local residents. Beyond the distress and disruption caused to them, however, the area’s also highly frequented by visitors often experiencing Northern Ireland for the very first time. That this could be part of the impression we may leave on them is a disgrace.

“We can only be glad nobody was hurt, and I want to extend my thanks to the PSNI for their calm and diligent efforts throughout the day to secure the area, keep people safe, and work to get Cave Hill Country Park reopened as soon as was possible.

“I would also encourage anyone that has any information that may be relevant to the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice to please get in contact with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”