The PSNI are at the scene of a security alert at the home of East Belfast GAA.

A police spokesperson said: “Police are currently at the scene of a security alert after receiving a report that devices have been left at playing fields in the Church Road area of east Belfast.

“The public are advised to avoid the area at this time. Further updates will be issued in due course.”

A local SDLP councillor urged an end to repeated attacks targeting the club.

Councillor Séamas de Faoite said: “The establishment of East Belfast GAA has been welcomed by the vast majority of the local community in the area, but still a narrow minded and backwards element continue to target this club for having the temerity to take part in gaelic games.

“This is the latest in a long line of attacks on their playing facilities, but I know this club won’t be intimidated.

“To the people behind these attacks I say loudly and clearly that they will not succeed in ruining something positive or in creating further division in the community.

“People of all ages and from diverse backgrounds come to this club to engage in a sport that brings people together, in stark contrast to those who wish to drive people apart.

“Council is currently working on bringing CCTV to this site so that those who regularly target these facilities can be held accountable. We need to see an end to these attacks once and for all and I would urge those responsible to stop now or face the consequences.

“It’s deeply disheartening after a dark few days for our city that we are seeing further incidents of hate and I would call on those with influence to put a stop to these scenes before any more harm is done.”

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has also condemned those responsible for an ongoing security alert.

“The ongoing security alert is the latest reprehensible attempt to intimidate people from playing sport,” the South Belfast MLA said.

“Children and adults should be able to play and enjoy sport without fear of intimidation.

“The whole community must stand together against this despicable behaviour and those responsible must be held fully accountable by the law.”

It marks the latest incident targeting the club over recent years since it was founded back in 2020.

The last incident in May saw an alert at the ground eventually declared an elaborate hoax and condemned right across the political spectrum.

In August last year, police launched a hate crime probe after the club’s nets were set on fire and destroyed.

Hoax bomb alerts in September and May 2023 forced officials to close the pitches for a period of time to allow Army bomb experts to examine the scene on both occasions.