Army technical experts are examining a suspicious object which has led to the evacuation of at least 60 houses in Cookstown.

The security alert in the Milburn Close area, to the rear of the Tesco store, started around lunch time.

Cordons are in place and the PSNI are asking members of the public to avoid the area.

Local policitians said the incident had caused considerable disruption in the community.

placeholder image — Police have cordoned off the area.

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan expressed the hope the object turned out to be nothing sinister.

"I'm sorry that local residents are being inconvenienced ," he said. "Hopefully the alert will end soon and they will be able to return to their homes."

Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Trevor Wilson said the local Council had made available the leisure centre for residents while the alert continues.

"I feel for the residents in situations like this because they have to leave their homes and they don't know when they will be able to return," he said.