Newtownards: Security alert was nothing untoward, say police

Image caption, Circular Road in Newtownards was closed between Lisbane Drive and Comber Road

A security alert in County Down has ended after police said a suspicious item was "nothing untoward".

Homes on Circular Road in Newtownards were evacuated after the alarm was raised at 21:15 BST on Monday.

Roads were closed and cordons were put in place as police and Army bomb experts examined the scene.

Early on Tuesday morning the police said residents had been able to return to their homes and all roads in the area had been reopened.

"We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during this time," said a police spokeswoman.