Nearly 2,000 pupils were evacuated from two west Belfast schools today when a major fire broke out in the former Bass Ireland brewery.
Fears of asbestos particles in heavy smoke billowing from the old plant prompted the PSNI and fire services to recommend a shutdown of the schools nearby on the Glen Road.
More than 1,100 pupils at St Mary Christian Brothers Grammar School were sent home, swiftly followed by 600 from the La Salle school.
Residents living in the area were urged to keep their doors and windows shut tight.
Over 70 firefighters from all over Belfast were involved in dealing with the fire in the three-storey building on the Glen Road. The building is currently unoccupied.
The fire is believed to have started accidentally and there are no reports of any injuries or casualties.