A number of homes in Belfast had to be evacuated last night after a bomb was discovered on a railway line, police said today.

Controlled explosions were carried out on a number of devices, which have been described by the PSNI as “crude but viable”, after they were dis

covered at the side of the railway line close to Belfast City Hospital.

Police received a phone call at around 10pm last night warning that a suspicious object was on the line. When officers went to the scene they discovered a bag.

The area was immediately sealed off and a number of houses at Utility Walk, Adingdon Drive and Egmont Gardens were evacuated. The Donegall Road was also closed.

Army bomb experts were tasked to the scene and the controlled explosions were carried out and the devices made safe.

A number of items have been seized by police for forensic examination. Police have not revealed who they believe was behind the incident.

Belfast city councillor Pat McCarthy said however that whoever was responsible was intent on causing injury and disruption.

“This was despicable. Whoever was behind this was not just trying to cause disruption but clearly was hoping to cause serious injuries.

“There is no place for anything like this in our society. We don’t know which grouping was responsible but I’m guessing we can only assume dissident republicans may have been responsible as they seem intent on stepping up their campaign of terror.

“However, we will have to wait to hear what police enquiries find,” he said.

A police spokesman said that detectives at Musgrave Street are appealing for anyone who noticed any activity in the area of the railway line and the City Hospital halt to come forward.

They can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. Or the public can pass information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.