Christmas shoppers and revellers had to clear part of the Cathedral Quarter of central Belfast tonight following what was described as a “small explosion” in the area.

There were no reports of any injuries due to the explosion which happened in the Exchange Street West area of Belfast. Busy bars and restaurants were evacuated due to the explosion as police mounted a security operation in the area. a number of shops and other businesses were also forced to close.

The explosion happened after a telephone bomb warning was issue. Police were checking out a suspicious object when the bomb went off, according to the PSNI. No one has admitted the bombing so far although dissident republicans will be suspected.

A British army bomb disposal team was also at the scene tonight. The explosion happened at 6.43 pm, police said.