Residents have been allowed to return to their homes in north Belfast after the discovery of a “viable” pipe bomb this afternoon.

Army bomb disposal experts were called in after the device was discovered in the front garden of a house in Roseleigh Street area of the city.

A number of roads in the area were closed for a time before the device was removed from the scene for further testing.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Sam McCallum said: “Police would like to thank the local community for their patience while we worked to keep them safe.”

“Keeping people safe is of paramount importance and we will not take any chances.”

Police are appealing to anyone with any information or who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area to come forward.