A number of homes have been evacuated and a policing operation is ongoing in west Belfast.

Detectives are conducting searches of two properties on the Shankill Road as part of an investigation into suspected terrorism offences.

A 35-year-old man was arrested for offences under the Terrorism Act, and remains in police custody at this time.

A number of items have been located at an address at Edwina Street.

Officers remain at the scene.

DUP councillor Ian McLaughlin said he was "shocked and saddened" by events in the area.

He said he understood what began as a "low level house search" had quickly escalated.

McLaughlin described it as an "unwanted and completely unwarranted incident" in what he said was a normally quiet community.

TUV councillor Ron McDowell said police should be "given the time and space to conclude their investigation".