Around 20 homes have been evacuated after a “suspicious object” was found in a park in Northern Ireland.

Police are on the scene at Earhart Park, in Derry, and have declared a security alert.

Part of the park has been closed and a number of homes evacuated.

A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said “approximately 20 homes had been affected”.

When asked what the object was, he said: “The suspicious object has to be examined so it is far too early to say.”

The Shantallow Community Centre has been opened for any evacuated residents who need shelter.