Crime & Law

Hundreds of homes evacuated in Co Down due to suspected second World War bomb

Clearance of historical munition from residential area of Newtownards likely to last ‘a number of days’

epa07261133 (FILE) - Northern Ireland's PSNI crest outside Antrim police station in Antrim, Northern Ireland, 02 May 2014 (reissued 04 January 2019). British media reports on 04 January 2019 state Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI has asked up to 1,000 officers to be deployed in Northern Ireland as a reinforcement in case of a no-deal Brexit. Authorities fear violence could occur if a hard border will be established between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland. EPA/PAUL MCERLANE
The PSNI has said it may take several days to make safe the historical munition discovered in Newtownards, Co Down
Sun Aug 18 2024 - 14:36

More than 400 homes have been evacuated due to an operation to clear what is suspected to be a second World War-era bomb from a residential area in Co Down.

The device was discovered in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards on Friday. The operation to clear the historical munition could take more than five days.

Superintendent Johnston McDowell of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “I would like to thank all those impacted residents who we have spoken to in relation to the ongoing public safety operation in the Rivenwood area of the town.

“In excess of 400 homes have been affected by this operation. This is a significant number of properties, and we thank residents for their patience and understanding.”

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An emergency support centre for affected residents is operating at the Ards Blair Meayne Leisure Complex.

Supt McDowell added: “I would like to state that if homeowners or residents have not been spoken to directly by police, or received information in relation to this matter, it’s unlikely that they will be impacted by the clearance operation at this time.

“It is anticipated at this stage that the operation will continue for a number of days. A police cordon is in place and motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area.

“I appreciate the disruption that this has caused, however keeping people safe is paramount and we will not take any risks. I want to thank those who may be affected for their patience at this time.

“We will continue to minimise any further disruption, as our priority is to keep residents and the local community safe.” – PA