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A viable device was discovered during a security alert in Magherafelt, County Londonderry on Friday, police have said.

Police received reports of a suspicious object in Leckagh Drive at about 09:35 GMT.

The device has been taken away for further examination. Residents who were asked to leave their homes have been allowed to return.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said the alert caused significant disruption.

A number of older people were among those evacuated, he said.

Mr McGlone added: "People in communities across the north are sick and tired of their lives being disrupted by security alerts".