LONDON (AP) — Police in Northern Ireland have ordered the evacuation of more than 400 homes as they remove a suspected World War II bomb.
Police said Sunday that the removal operation could take more than five days.
The device was discovered on Friday in the Newtownards area of County Down, about nine miles (15 kilometers) east of Belfast.
“We appreciate that this incident has caused some disruption but ensuring people’s safety is paramount and we are not taking any chances,” said Superintendent Johnston McDowell, district commander for North Down and Ards. “I would like to thank those affected for their patience during this time.”
Police set up roadblocks and asked drivers to avoid the area.
Emergency assistance centers were set up for residents who were forced to leave their homes.
