Newtownards: Man charged after viable device found in flat

Image source, PAcemaker

Image caption, Police attended the scene of the security operation in Rosevale Avenue on Tuesday

A 34-year-old man has been charged after police found an explosive device during a security alert at a flat in Newtownards, County Down, on Tuesday.

Homes were evacuated during the operation in Rosevale Avenue.

The man has been charged with possessing explosives with intent to endanger life or damage property and possessing a firearm or ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

He is due to appear at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on 8 February.

The man has also been charged with possession of a Class C drug.

On Tuesday, the device was declared a viable explosive by ammunition technical officers.

"The device was made safe and removed from the flat along with a number of suspected firearms for further examination," a police statement said.