AN object described as "rocket shaped" which sparked a security alert in Co Down, has been removed for further forensic examination.
Some residents were evacuated from their homes after the suspicious object was found at the Newcastle Road near Loughinisland on Saturday.
The road runs between Ballynahinch and Clough and is one of the main routes from Belfast to Newcastle.
South Down MLA Emma Rogan last night said police told her the object was "rocket shaped" and was found under a bag by at the roadside by a litter picker.
In 2019 a horizontal mortar tube and command wire was found several miles from Saturday's alert at Drumnaquoile Road, near Castlewellan.
Police say army bomb experts attended the scene and took the object away for further examination.
Residents were later allowed to return to their homes.
Insp Steven Weatherald thanked them for their patience and urged anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area to contact police.
Ms Rogan said the "security alert has caused serious disruption for families and residents".
“This is disgraceful especially at a time when emergency services are already under pressure during a public health emergency," she said.
SDLP councillor Hugh Gallagher said: "It's something we don't need in society."
A spokesman for the PSNI last night said: "Investigations into the security alert, where a suspicious object was recovered in Seaforde are still ongoing.
"The object has been taken away for further examination.
"There are no further details at this stage."
Meanwhile, two suspicious objects found in the Ballymoney area of Co Antrim on Sunday later turned out to be fireworks.
The Bann Road and nearby Glenstall Road was closed yesterday after separate security alerts were declared.
A third object was found to be "nothing untoward".
Sinn Féin councillor Cathal McLaughlin condemned the alert, which he said caused disruption.
