The MLA for East Belfast was speaking after the discovery of a suspicious package at the office he shares with Naomi Long MP – located on the Newtownards Road – adding it was not only an attack on democracy, but an attack on the people of East Belfast. The package was later declared to be a hoax.
Chris Lyttle MLA said: “After a substantial investigation the PSNI informed us the suspicious package found at the East Belfast Alliance office was a hoax.
“This incident is yet another attack on the hardworking Alliance team in East Belfast who serve everyone in the community.
“It is also a senseless attack on the businesses and residential life of the local area. This threat to our community’s safety cannot be allowed to continue.
“It is clear there are a small number of individuals whose aim is to cause harm to others and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible.
“Alliance will continue to work for everyone in East Belfast and this incident will not deter us from serving our constituency on the mandate we have been given, or from delivering the shared and better future everyone in East Belfast deserves.”