Hundreds of homes evacuated as ‘unexploded World War Two bomb’ found in sleepy town sparking huge emergency response
HUNDREDS of homes have been urgently evacuated after a suspected World War 2 bomb was found.
The "unexploded device" was discovered on Friday in Newtownards, around 9 miles east of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Police remain at the scene, following the discovery of what is believed to be a historic piece of munition in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards.
Notices have been distributed saying homes and businesses within a 400 metre radius of the ";sizeable" munition were evacuated by 10am today.
Around 450 homes are thought to be affected and the operation could take days to tackle, cops said.
Local councillor Pete Wray confirmed it was a suspected Second World War bomb and described the situation as "complex".
He added that it would likely take at least five days to resolve.
Members of the armed forces arrived on Saturday to begin the removal of the device, the councillor said.
The force had earlier set up barricades and asked drivers to avoid the area.
Meanwhile, an emergency support centre was set up for residents who had to move out of their homes.
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Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding, as officers continue to minimise disruption and keep residents safe.
"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."
He continued: “As part of the public safety operation, officers are engaging with those residents directly impacted and providing a visible policing presence in the area.
"A cordon remains in place, as we continue to work closely with our partner agencies and we thank them for their ongoing assistance.
“With the clearance operation likely to continue for a number of days, I understand the significant disruption this will cause to the local community. Our priority is to keep residents and the local community safe.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support during this policing operation. We would continue to appeal to the public to avoid the area, with further information provided in due course.”
The senior officer said that if homeowners had not been directly spoken to be police, or received information related to the evacuation, it was "unlikely" they would have to leave their homes.
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"It is anticipated at this stage that the operation will continue for a number of days," he said.
He added: "I appreciate the disruption that this has caused, however keeping people safe is paramount, and we will not take any risks."