LIVE: Downpatrick road closed after 'suspicious object found in car'

Police have closed a road in Downpatrick, County Down, after a suspicious object was found in a car.

The object was discovered during a police search of the vehicle on the Ballydugan Road at around 11.30am on Tuesday, July 25.

The road has been closed in both directions between the junctions of the Strangford Road and the Ballynoe Road, and diversions are in place.

A police spokesperson said: "Police are currently in attendance at the scene of an ongoing incident in the Ballydugan Road area of Downpatrick.

"A suspicious object was discovered during a search of a vehicle, and as a precaution, the road has been closed in both directions between the junctions of the Strangford Road and the Ballynoe Road.

"Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes for their journey."

The spokesperson added: "We would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while we deal with this incident."