Coalisland security alert: Viable device found

Police say a suspicious object, which was later declared a viable device, was being examined at Gortgonis Road in Coalisland

A viable device has been found during a security alert in Coalisland, County Tyrone, on Friday.

Residents were moved from their homes as the device was being examined at Gortgonis Road.

The alert is now over and residents have returned to their homes.

Another security operation has now ended at Windmill Avenue in Ballynahinch, County Down, after police declared three suspicious objects as a hoax.

Residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the incident in Coalisland as a "completely reckless act".

Inspector Long said those responsible had "shown a blatant disregard for the lives of others" and called their actions "reprehensible".

Police described the incident in Coalisland as a "completely reckless act"

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard condemned those responsible for the security alert in Ballynahinch which caused disruption and inconvenience to residents.

"This is disgraceful. The last thing people need is having to leave their homes in the middle of a cold winter day," he said.

Loughside Drive in Ballynahinch had been cordoned off by police earlier on Friday