Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Over 400 homes in Northern Ireland have been evacuated after a suspected World War Two bomb was discovered at a construction site.
What’s the deal: Construction workers uncovered a suspected World War Two bomb on Friday while working at the Rivenwood housing development in Newtownards, County Down.
What the government is doing: The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) set up a perimeter and called in an Army bomb disposal unit, which is preparing for a controlled explosion. The operation is expected to last five days. In an advisory, the police said, “all homeowners/occupiers and businesses within a 400-metre radius of the munition, to evacuate their premises.”
Local official comments: Superintendent Johnston McDowell said, “I appreciate the disruption that this has caused, however keeping people safe is paramount and we will not take any risks. I want to thank those who may be affected for their patience at this time.”
Digging Deeper: The bomb discovery isn’t unusual for the region, as Northern Ireland has seen similar incidents this year. In February, a World War Two shell was found and destroyed, and in January, another device was found in Armagh.
