Police have made an arrest following a security alert at a property in Newtownabbey.
Officers were conducting a search of a property in the Sanda Road area at around 8.30pm on Thursday, September 4 when a suspicious object was located.
A safety operation was subsequently put in place, with the Sanda and Shore Roads closed on Thursday night to motorists and nearby residents evacuated. The roads reopened earlier today, Friday, with the residents of neighbouring properties also able to return to their homes.
Ammunition Technical Officers attended and determined that the object was a viable yet crude device.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police remain at the scene this afternoon and a 58-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1518 of 04/09/25.
“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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Key Events
Security alert leads to arrest after 'viable device' found
Police have made an arrest following a security alert at a property in Newtownabbey.
Officers were conducting a search of a property in the Sanda Road area at around 8.30pm on Thursday, September 4 when a suspicious object was located.
A safety operation was subsequently put in place, with the Sanda and Shore Roads closed on Thursday night to motorists and nearby residents evacuated. The roads reopened earlier today, Friday, with the residents of neighbouring properties also able to return to their homes.
Ammunition Technical Officers attended and determined that the object was a viable yet crude device.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police remain at the scene this afternoon and a 58-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1518 of 04/09/25.
“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Police remain at scene on Friday morning
Update as police remain at scene
In an update issued on Friday morning, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Police remain at the scene of a security alert at a property in Newtownabbey this morning, Friday 5th August.
"The Sanda Road and Shore Road have reopened to motorists and residents of neighbouring properties have been able to return to their homes.
"An update will follow in due course."
Shore Road reopens after security alert
At 5.52am on Friday morning, Trafficwatch confirmed the A2 Shore Road has now reopened:
Newtownabbey - Road users are advised that the A2 Shore Road is now reopened after last nights security alert (05:52)
— Trafficwatch NI (@TrafficwatchNI) September 5, 2025
Alert ongoing
There has been no further information issued by the PSNI tonight. We will do our best to communicate any updates when they are made available.
Full PSNI statement
Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Sanda Road area of Newtownabbey. Diversions are in place on the Shore Road at the junctions of Mill Road and Longwood Road. The public are advised to avoid the area at this time. An update will be issued in due course. pic.twitter.com/2aP9ZsMkll
— Police Antrim and Newtownabbey (@PSNIANDistrict) September 4, 2025
Update expected "in due course"
The PSNI issued a brief statement this evening. A spokesperson said an update on the security alert will be issued "in due course".
Trafficwatch NI Tweet
Newtownabbey - Road users are advised that the A2 Shore Road is currently closed between Mill Road and Longwood Road due to a security alert. Please seek an alternative route for your journey (21:39)
— Trafficwatch NI (@TrafficwatchNI) September 4, 2025
PSNI Tweet
Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Sanda Road area of Newtownabbey. Diversions are in place on the Shore Road at the junctions of Mill Road and Longwood Road. The public are advised to avoid the area at this time. An update will be issued in due course. pic.twitter.com/2aP9ZsMkll
— Police Antrim and Newtownabbey (@PSNIANDistrict) September 4, 2025
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Advice to the public
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The public are advised to avoid the area at this time. A further update will be issued in due course."
Details of diversions
Diversions are in place on the Shore Road at the junctions of Mill Road and Longwood Road.
Where is the alert?
Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Sanda Road area of Newtownabbey
Good evening
Thanks for joining us tonight, September 4.
It is just past 10:30pm, and the PSNI remain at the scene of a security alert. The incident is ongoing.
We'll have updates when they are made available, on this blog.
