Police have confirmed one man has been "detained" following an incident in Ballymena on Wednesday evening.
Shortly before 7:00pm police received a report of a "concern for safety" for the man. A dramatic response from police ensued that centred around a block of flats on Crebilly Road in the Ballykeel 1 estate.
Witnesses reported a large number of police vehicles arriving in the area and a cordon was put in place by officers. With a report that the man at the centre of the operation had a suspected pipe bomb, PSNI Armed Response Vehicles and Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearm Officers were tasked to scene.
A four hour standoff was brought to an end by Police Negotiators shortly before 11:00pm.
It is understood police used a taser device. The man was detained by police and treated by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service .
Speaking following the incident, Chief Inspector Moore said:
“Police attended the Crebilly Road area of Ballymena yesterday evening, Wednesday 3rd January, following a report of a concern for safety.
"Specially trained officers were deployed to mitigate any further impact to the local community. One man was detained following the incident.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as officers carried out the public safety operation.”