A security alert in east Belfast, which caused the evacuation of about 20 homes, has come to an end.

A number of suspicious objects were located at a property in Victor Place, near Albertbridge Road, at about 08:50 BST on Sunday.

Ammunition technical officers (ATO) attended the scene and a number of items have been removed for further forensic examinations, police said.

A man has been arrested in relation to the incident and remains in police custody.

Det Sgt Kitchen, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: “Residents, who were evacuated from the area, have now returned to their homes and we thank them for their co-operation during this public safety operation. Officers will continue to maintain a presence in the area and conduct further enquiries.”

Motorists had been asked to avoid the area on Sunday morning.

A local resident told BBC News NI the alert and evacuation had been “very disruptive”.

Catriona O’Boyle said police knocked on her door at around 10:10 and told her she had to “leave immediately.”

“Our entire row has been told to leave right away, immediately,” she said.

“They haven’t said much, but it’s just been very disruptive for everybody, neighbours included.”

“It’s been a disruption for my daughter… not really wanting to leave her family home on a Sunday morning,” she added.

“It’s a bit shocking, our street is quite quiet.”

Albert Bridge Congregational church had offered shelter to residents.

Local DUP councillor Ruth Brooks said a suspicious item was discovered during a police search on Sunday morning.

“It’s my understanding police were attending (to) a property this morning for a search and during the course of that search they have discovered an item they have identified as being suspicious,” she added.