Security alert near Dungiven comes to an end

Image caption, The security alert was on the outskirts of Dungiven, County Londonderry

A security alert on the outskirts of Dungiven, County Londonderry, has ended, police have said.

Chief Insp McIldowney said a "thorough search of the area" was conducted and "nothing untoward" was found.

Army bomb experts and police attended the scene of the alert on Friday evening and remained there on Saturday morning.

The Foreglen Road was closed at its junctions with the Baranailt Road and Muldonagh Road and searches were conducted in nearby fields.

Image caption, Officers conducted searches in the area on Friday evening

Members of the public, including motorists, had been asked to avoid the area during the search operation.

鈥淲e would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as searches in the area were carried out overnight and into this morning," Ch Insp McIldowney added.

"Closing roads causes disruption and inconvenience but, ultimately, public safety is our priority."