A controlled explosion has been carried out at the site where a large World War II bomb was found in Co Down.
More than 400 homes were evacuated in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards after the discovery of the device last Thursday.
Police and British Army bomb experts were at the scene where a sand-filled structure was constructed around the bomb while it was considered if it should be removed or made safe there.
The PSNI said that a decision was made today to deal with the device at the scene.
A few hours later, residents heard an explosion in the area.
🚨💣WOW!: This is the moment a controlled explosion was carried out on the Newtownards 'WW2 bomb'.
— Cool FM News (@newsoncool) August 20, 2024
❗️🗣Family member of the owner of this house told Chief Reporter @jamesgould23, that "they weren't expecting this to say the least!"
This footage is from the house of Graeme… pic.twitter.com/gUXAX6VvH8
District Commander for Ards and North Down Superintendent Johnston McDowell confirmed a controlled explosion had taken place at 3.38pm.
He also said the device was an air-dropped German bomb from World War II.
"This afternoon at approximately 15.38 the render safe procedure of the operation was initiated and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) carried out a controlled explosion of a bomb, which had been discovered in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards last Thursday, 15th August," he said.
"The munition found, which I can now confirm was identified as being an air-dropped SC-500 German bomb from World War II, was understood to have been in and around 83 years old, but still posed a significant risk to public safety, even after all this time.
"This was a highly complex operation that prompted the evacuation of a large number of homes within 400 metres of where the bomb was located, and local police officers worked around the clock to engage with those impacted.
"The disposal team was comprised of members of the Army's 321 EOD & Search squadron, who alongside the police service led the major operation.
"They were also assisted by other emergency services and partners, who all provided expert knowledge in managing the high-risk emergency situation."
He added: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our personnel involved, who worked day and night this week to keep the public safe. The success of this operation is a testament to the level of skill our military colleagues have."
This evening, police confirmed that all residents were able to return to their homes.
