Eia Street Security Alert Ends Safely: Residents Return Home After BB Guns Found

Residents in the Eia Street area of North Belfast are breathing a sigh of relief after a security alert that required temporary evacuation concluded safely yesterday, Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. People have now been able to return to their homes following the incident.

The alert began shortly after 1pm on Monday, January 19th, after police received a report concerning a suspicious object discovered in the Eia Street area, near its junction with Brookhill Avenue. As a necessary precaution, a number of homes were advised to evacuate, and Eia Street itself was closed off while investigations commenced.

Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene to examine the object. Thankfully, the object was determined not to be a viable threat. Officers subsequently recovered two BB-style guns, which have been taken away for further examination.

While residents are safely back inside, police enquiries into the incident are ongoing this morning. Officers are appealing to anyone who might have information that could assist their investigation to get in touch. You can call 101, quoting reference number 638 of 19/01/26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.