Police urge people to stay away as security alert continues at Co Down caravan park

A security alert at a Co Down caravan park is continuing today as police urged people to stay away from the scene.

The alert is centred on Seaview Caravan Park in Millisle, which has been closed to the public.

It is understood police received a phone call informing them that a device has been left underneath stones in a field near the holiday park.

Some nearby residents have been forced to leave their homes.

In an update on Saturday morning, the PSNI said: “A security alert in Millisle is continuing this morning, Saturday, following a report received yesterday that a device had been left in a field close to a caravan site on the Donaghadee Road.

“Access and egress at the caravan site remains restricted and we would ask that the public avoid the area.

“Caravan owners intending to travel to the site today should make contact with site management.

“A further update will be provided in due course.”

Among those affected were Candice Bunting and Shelley Ritchie.

They told the BBC that they arrived about 6pm on Friday to stay in a relative’s caravan and were informed by police they could not go in.

They told the BBC: “We’re freezing and soaked.”

They said their belongings had been left to the caravan by a relative earlier so they “literally have the clothes we stand in”

“The kids are tired and hungry,” they said.

Seaview Caravan Park posted on social media on Friday.

“Hi folks, the police have advised me that the site will be closed for a few hours,” it posted on Facebook.

“Unfortunately no one is getting in or out.

“I don’t know myself what the reason is. Just be patient and hopefully we will be open soon. I will keep you informed when site is opened.”

Local councillor Pete Wray said he has spoken to police who have assured him they are “taking every precaution”.

“An ATO team is making its way to the scene and there is going to be exploration of the area where it has been alleged there is something untoward,” he said.

“The police know where they need to look and experts are on the way.”

The UUP representative said the caravan park is usually very busy over the summer months as he called for people to remain calm.

“Everything will come to light but it will be a slow process,” he added.

“But hopefully everybody will be able to go back and continue enjoying their holiday and and enjoy being in Millisle very soon.”