LAST UPDATE | 18 Aug

MORE THAN 400 homes have been evacuated in county Down while a device, suspected to be a World War Two bomb, is deactivated.

The device was found in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards on Friday and residents were told to leave their homes by 10am today.

The operation is likely to take a number of days and the PSNI thanked the local community for “their patience and understanding”.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: “If home owners 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.”

McDowell urged all members of the public to avoid the area, saying another update will be provided in due course.