Chief Inspector Paul Laity told a press conference this afternoon: “Residents who have been evacuated will not be able to return to their homes this evening.
“Once the device has been made safe and the armed forces specialists have given the green light, then we will announce this message through the local authority website, so please keep an eye out.
“If you are still within the 400m cordon and have not yet evacuated, again the advice is strongly to leave.
“If you have difficulty with that, we have the youth centre in Southway address as advertised, please make contact in relation to any help or support you need.
“This is about protecting lives, yourselves, your friends, your family, your pets.
“If you are leaving your home, please remember to leave your windows open, turn off your water supply and take essential items.”