Police and army experts have carried out a controlled explosion on a second world war bomb discovered in Newtownards, County Down, more than 80 years after it was dropped from a German plane. A plume of smoke rose over the Northern Irish town on Tuesday after a loud bang at 3.38pm signalled the destruction of the 500kg (1,100lb) bomb. More than 400 homes were evacuated from the Rivenwood area after the device was discovered at a building site last Thursday. Munitions experts created a sand-filled structure before triggering the controlled explosion. Supt Johnston McDowell said ammunition technical officers identified the device as an airdropped SC-500 German bomb that posed a significant risk to public safety and required a complex operation. He said: “The disposal team was comprised of members of the army’s 321 EOD and search squadron, who alongside the police service led the major operation. They were also assisted by other emergency services and partners, who all provided expert knowledge in managing the high-risk emergency situation.” McDowell added: “The success of this operation is testament to the level of skill our military colleagues have.” Factories and shipyards at Newtownards, 12 miles east of Belfast, were targeted by the Luftwaffe during the second world war, with four especially heavy raids in April and May 1941. On Tuesday evening, police confirmed that residents were able to return to their homes.