Two viable devices discovered during security alert - 'the consequences of this could have been devastating'

Several homes were evacuated following the discovery of two suspicious object in the Pinebank area on Sunday morning.

Police said Army bomb experts examined the objects which were "viable devices". They have been removed for examination.

Residents have been allowed to return to their homes and the section of Pinebank that was closed has re-opened.

Inspector Adam Ruston said: "We're grateful to local people for their patience today. Families had to leave their homes, having their afternoon disrupted, while we worked to make the area safe.

"Most importantly, it's fortunate that no-one was physically injured. The consequences of this could have been devastating."

DUP MP for the area, Carla Lockhart, said, “the two suspicious objects discovered in the Pinebank area were declared viable and have been removed for further investigation.

"Families have been allowed to return to their homes and the scene has been stood down. This has been such an inconvenience to those affected particularly at a time when strict regulations are in place.

"This is reckless behaviour and if one of these devices had gone off it could have killed or seriously injured someone. I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI.

"I want to commend the police and the army technical officers for making this as swift a process as possible so that the families can return to their houses.”

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