Hundreds of homes evacuated as ‘unexploded World War Two bomb’ found in sleepy town sparking huge emergency response

HUNDREDS of homes were urgently evacuated after a suspected World War 2 bomb was found.

The “unexploded device” was discovered on Friday in Newtownards, County Down, 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 with around 450 homes are thought to be affected.

The operation could take more than five days, cops 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.

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.

“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.”