A viable pipe bomb Device has been defused during a security alert this afternoon.

Police evacuated a number of houses following the discovery of a suspicious object in the Ashford Lodge area.

Police and Army Technical Experts were tasked to the scene

The alert is now over and residents are returning home.

Inspector Alexander Johnston said: “A viable pipe bomb type device was examined by ATO and has been seized for examination.

“All roads have now reopened and residents are returning home.”