'Viable device' discovered inside home in Co Down

By Rebecca Black, PA

A viable device has been found at a residential property in Newtownards, Co Down.

Nearby homes in the Linden Place area, close to the town centre, were evacuated on Wednesday night during the security operation.

A police spokesperson issued an appeal for information.

They said officers received a report of a suspicious object inside the address at around 5.25pm on Wednesday.

“Officers attended the scene together with ammunition technical officers, and examined the device, which was discovered to be viable,” they said.

“A number of neighbouring properties were evacuated, as inquiries were conducted, and the device was secured and taken away for further examination.

“Residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly after midnight today, (Thursday).

“Our inquiries are ongoing this morning, and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 1243 of 25/06/25.”

Ards and North Down Deputy Mayor Vicky Moore condemned those responsible as having “shown a flagrant disregard for life” with their actions.

“This was a downright sinister display of intimidation and the local community is united today in shock and horror,” she said.

“It shows a flagrant disregard for human life and public safety, both for those who live at the house where the device was found, and those in nearby properties who had to be evacuated.

“We can only be thankful, due in no small part to the swift and professional work of local PSNI, that nobody was killed or seriously injured, and I want to thank officers for their efforts.

“Those responsible for such reprehensible actions do not represent us, and I would encourage anyone who has any information that may help bring them to justice to contact police or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers without delay.”