More than 400 homes were evacuated before a controlled explosion was carried out after the discovery of a Second World War-era bomb.

Bomb experts from the army and the police were called to the site in Northern Ireland at the Rivenwood housing development in Newtownards, Co Down.

A sand-filled structure was built around the device – which is believed to be 83 years old – before the controlled blast.

Evacuations took place since the discovery of the bomb last Thursday, as the device still posed a threat to public safety.

After deliberations over whether the bomb should be moved, district commander for Ards and North Down Superintendent Johnston McDowell confirmed a controlled explosion had taken place at 3.38pm on Tuesday.

Residents reported being able to hear the explosion.

SI McDowell confirmed the device was an air-dropped SC-500 German bomb from the Second World War.

“This was a highly complex operation that prompted the evacuation of a large number of homes within 400 metres of where the bomb was located, and local police officers worked around the clock to engage with those impacted,” he said.

“The disposal team was comprised of members of the Army’s 321 EOD & Search squadron, who alongside the police service led the major operation. They were also assisted by other emergency services and partners, who all provided expert knowledge in managing the high-risk emergency situation.”

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SI McDowell thanked personnel who had “worked day and night to keep the public safe”.

Those who had been evacuated were able to return to their homes on Tuesday evening, police confirmed.

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