A viable device has been discovered in a County Antrim village, forcing residents to be evacuated from their homes while police investigated.

Those behind the alert were condemned for causing disruption to locals, businesses and shoppers in Crumlin today.

The PSNI appealed for information following the incident in the early afternoon on Main Street.

Superintendent John Magill said: “The security alert in Crumlin has ended and residents have been allowed back to their homes. A viable device has been made safe and has been taken away for forensic examination.

“All roads in the area have been reopened.”

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney said: “The disruption brought about by this security alert is indefensible.

“Saturday is one of the busiest days in Crumlin; many businesses and shoppers have been affected as a result of the disruption caused.”

He added: “There is no room for these type of attacks in our society and they must end immediately.”