Hundreds of homes evacuated after suspected Second World War bomb found in Northern Ireland

A local councillor warns the operation to deal with the apparent “historic piece of munition” could take at least five days to resolve.

The bomb was found at the Rivenwood development in Newtownards. Pic: Google Street View

Hundreds of homes have been evacuated in Northern Ireland after a suspected Second World War bomb was discovered.

The “suspected historic piece of munition” was found on Friday at the Rivenwood housing development in Newtownards.

On Sunday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland evacuated around 450 nearby homes as they warned the operation “will continue for a number of days”.

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.

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

Superintendent Johnston McDowell 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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