Police have carried out a controlled explosion after sealing off a section of a north coast beach on Friday morning.
Some residents reported hearing a loud bang during the operation, which was prompted by the discovery of a live maritime flare on Portstewart Strand at around 9.30am on September 27.
The beach was closed to allow Army Technical Officers (ATOs) to attend the scene and make the flare safe.
It is understood a controlled explosion was carried out on the device.
The beach has now reopened.
Sergeant Purvis said: “Our primary aim was to protect the public and I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding.”