During a search at a property in Barrowcliff Road earlier today, police officers discovered an old unexploded device.
The property is within a three-storey block of flats, near the junction of Barrowcliff Road and Wreyfield Drive, opposite Wreyfield Drive Methodist Church.
A cordon was put in place by police, with approach roads sealed off, including at Wreyfield Drive shops. The row of shops closed as a precaution.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers arrived at the scene mid-afternoon.
A trusted eyewitness at the scene reported that armed police were also in attendance, and that a package was removed from the property. Some reports suggest it might be an old hand grenade, but that has not been confirmed.
Neighbouring residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution and were taken to the nearby school as a place of safety.
Members of the public were asked to avoid the area.