Houses have been evacuated and traffic has been diverted due to a security alert in Brewery Lane in Newtownards, County Down.

Cordons are in place in the area with Army bomb experts in attendance.

There is no traffic running through the town centre along Regent Street. A section of the street between Mary Street and West Street has been closed.

Police are asking members of the public and road users to avoid the area and seek an alternative route for their journeys.

Services to and from the Newtownards bus station have been disrupted.

Belfast city-bound services from the bus station will depart from the hospital stop.

Any country bound services, such as Comber and Portaferry, will depart from Frederick Street, Translink said.

Services coming into Newtownards will terminate at Frederick Street until further notice.

A spokesperson for Translink said: “There is currently no disruption to services with some diversions in place.”

Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex is providing tea and coffee for those who have had to leave their homes and those who have been unable to return to them.

Local councillor Steven Irvine said he “totally condemns this behaviour”.

“This irresponsible act has caused unnecessary distress to residents, including many pensioners, as well as to local businesses, commuters and public transport services,” he said.

“There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in today’s society. Our community deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected, and I urge those responsible to reflect on the harm they have caused.”

Police said an update will follow in due course.