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.

Members of the armed forces arrived on Saturday to begin the removal of the device, the councillor said.

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

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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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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.

“It is anticipated at this stage that the operation will continue for a number of days,” he said.

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He added: “I appreciate the disruption that this has caused, however keeping people safe is paramount, and we will not take any risks.”

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