HOMES EVACUATED IN PIPE BOMB ALERT

‘Viable device’ made safe by technical team folllowing alert

A PIPE bomb has been recovered as a security alert ended yesterday morning.

The security alert began on Friday night in the Ardmillan Crescent area of Newtownards, Co Down, with the discovery of the suspicious object.

The explosive was defused by an ATO team before residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following the security alert.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Westbury said: “Police received a report shortly before 11pm that a pipe-bomb type device was discovered at the front of a property.

“Officers attended the scene and a cordon was put in place. A number of residents were also evacuated from their homes while ATO made the device safe.

“The device, which has since been confirmed as viable, was successfully defused by ATO. A cordon remained in place until the early hours of Saturday and residents who were evacuated have since been allowed to return home.

“We are working to establish a motive and the circumstances surrounding what happened, and also identify who is responsible for this extremely reckless act.”

Meanwhile, police are investigating a vehicle hijacking after a car and a mobile phone were also stolen in Newtownards on Friday night. It happened in the Ann Street area when an armed man demanded the victim get out of his parked car and hand over his device.

The victim fled from the scene and was chased by the man with the weapon who tripped him up.

He handed over his phone and the suspect got into the car and drove off. The vehicle was later recovered in the Clanmorris Square area of Bangor.

Det Sgt Westbury said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim and our enquiries are at an early stage to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible.”