Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Maurice Fitzmaurice

Newtownabbey security alert over as police say object a real bomb

People were moved from their homes overnight after a viable bomb was found.

The PSNI declared the suspicious device a 'viable device' on Sunday morning after residents were warned to leave their homes in the Newtonabbey area before midnight on Saturday.

The security alert in Mayfield Village ended in the early hours of this morning. The device had been found in the rear garden of a house in the area. People evacuated were told they could go to the Lilian Bland pavilion while army bomb experts examined the device.

All residents have now returned to their homes.

The police issued a brief statement on the incident shortly before midday. They said the device was found at around 9.15pm.

Detective Sergeant Coulter said: “I want to thank the public for their patience as we conducted our enquiries and worked to make the scene safe. I appreciate the disruption this has caused, however, when it comes to keeping people safe we do not take chances.

“I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Mayfield Village area last night, or anyone who has information that could assist us with our enquiries, to contact detectives at Newtownabbey on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1869 14/12/19.

"Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.  

Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved .  

Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.