Newry: Camlough Road security alert was 'nothing untoward'

Image caption, Police manned cordons in the Camlough Road area of Newry during the operation

A security alert in Newry city which resulted in a number of homes being evacuated has ended, police have said.

It began before 18:45 GMT when police were called to examine a suspicious object in the Camlough Road area.

However, about four hours later, officers said the object had been declared to be "nothing untoward".

"A number of cordons which were in place have now been lifted and all residents have returned to their homes," police said in a statement.

"We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation".

Earlier, Sinn F茅in councillor Aidan Mathers expressed concern for the affected residents who were "having to leave their homes on a cold winter's night".

Newry, Mourne and Down Council said it opened Newry Leisure Centre "as an emergency rest centre for any displaced residents".