A 16-year-old boy has been charged after police uncovered four viable explosive devices during a security alert in Omagh.

The formal charges brought against the teenager are possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances and the possession of prohibited weapons, following an operation carried out by police officers on Monday.

The incident unfolded when police attended a residential property situated in the Gardenville Avenue area of Omagh to conduct a search.

It was during the course of that search operation that officers discovered the four viable explosive devices inside the property, a finding that prompted an immediate security alert across the neighbourhood.

As a direct result of the discovery, a number of nearby homes were evacuated to ensure the safety of local residents while officers worked to secure the scene.

Police remained present at the scene in Gardenville Avenue throughout the alert, managing the area and ensuring safety precautions were maintained while the operation was underway.

Police have confirmed that all four viable explosive devices were safely recovered from the property and have since been removed to undergo detailed forensic examination.

Following the search operation and the subsequent police investigation, the 16-year-old boy was formally charged in connection with the seized items.

In terms of what happens next in the legal process, the teenager is expected to appear at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to face the charges. I'll be following this one.