This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8060793.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Armed police surround city house Armed officers surround brothers
(about 2 hours later)
Armed police officers have surrounded a house in south Belfast after a suspected firearms incident. Armed police have surrounded a house in south Belfast after two brothers barricaded themselves inside.
Police said a number of pellets had been shot at officers and their vehicles in Powerscourt Place on the Ormeau Road. Police said a number of pellets had been fired at officers and their vehicles from the property in Powerscourt Place on the Ormeau Road.
People in the area have suggested that residents have barricaded themselves inside their home after receiving an eviction notice. It is understood the house is the brother's family home, but they have not lived there for a number of weeks.
Police negotiators are at the incident which was reported at about 0450 BST. The relatives, who have accused the police of over-reacting, said they had not been allowed to speak to the pair.
BBC reporter Andy Martin, who was at the scene, said officers have automatic guns trained on the house. Police negotiators are at the incident, which was reported at about 0500 BST on Tuesday.
An Irish tricolour is being flown from a broken window
A local priest is also trying to persuade the men to leave the house.
Part of the building has been boarded up, but an Irish tricolour is being flown from a broken window in the property.
Speaking from the scene, BBC reporter Andy Martin said officers have automatic guns trained on the house.
"I'm told that there are two men inside the house, which is bordered up in part with steel shutters, but it is possible to see someone through an upstairs window," he said."I'm told that there are two men inside the house, which is bordered up in part with steel shutters, but it is possible to see someone through an upstairs window," he said.
"But earlier suggestions that this was a very serious incident appear to be on the verge of being downgraded." "Earlier suggestions that this was a very serious incident appear to be on the verge of being downgraded."
The area has been cordoned off and people have been asked to remain in their houses.The area has been cordoned off and people have been asked to remain in their houses.