Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney was taken off stage by officials during a speech in Belfast on Friday after a security alert.

The event organiser said a suspect device was discovered in a hijacked van in the car park of the venue, according to Reuters.

Responding to a story about the security alert on Twitter, Mr Coveney wrote: “In Belfast with @Humefoundation to honour John & Pat’s legacy of peace for all communities.

“Saddened & frustrated that someone has been attacked & victimised in this way and my thoughts are with him & his family.”

Police said they were currently “in attendance of a security alert at the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast this morning”, as they advised motorists to “avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey”.

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