Residents return home as suspicious object is taken away

A country road with a police car parked. There is police tape up on the left side of the car

Residents at the centre of an overnight security alert in Ballymena, County Antrim, have been allowed to return home.

Police said they were called to the Moorfields Road area on Friday morning following reports of a suspicious object.

A search was carried out and a cordon put in place near the main road between Ballymena and Moorfields village. Two houses were evacuated.

Members of the public, including drivers, were advised to avoid the area.

Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and the object, along with a number of additional items, was removed for forensic examination on Saturday afternoon.

A police car to the right of the picture in front of police tape. To the left of the picture are several houses, some painted grey and some painted white. There is an area of tarmac in front of the houses and green space near the police car.

Inspector McGillan said: "We would like to thank those who were evacuated during the public safety operation for their patience.

"They are now able to return to their homes, with all roads reopened in the area.

"We also want to reassure the local community that there is no ongoing risk to the public."

Earlier, DUP councillor William McCaughey asked people "not to speculate" as to the reasons behind the security alert.

He urged the public to give police "the space and time that they certainly need to finish off this investigation" and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

Original source Residents return home as suspicious object is taken away

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