TerrorismDissident republicans’ weapons cache discovered in Northern Ireland
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has discovered a terrorist weapons cache in a forest park in Northern Ireland. Police have been warning for a whole that dissidents republicans were planning to ramp up violence in the run-up to the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule in Dublin.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has discovered a terrorist weapons cache in a forest park in Northern Ireland. The bomb-making parts and explosives were found at the Carnfunnock Country Park, near Larne, County Antrim.
Police searching the area then recovered small plastic barrels buried deeper in the woods. The barrels contained a large number of bomb-making components, including partially constructed devices and a small quantity of explosives.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Gillian Kearney said it was unclear which terror group the items belonged to.
“All of these items will be subjected to a detailed forensic examination,” she said.
“Until this has been completed, it is too early to link these items to any particular grouping, but we are following a number of lines of inquiry.
“I would ask the public to remain vigilant, wherever they are and whatever they are doing. If people report suspicious activity to police, we will act on it to keep people safe.
“We apologise that the park will remain closed for some time while a full clearance operation is carried out, but I hope people will understand the need to put public safety first.”
The Independent reports that the discovery came just over twenty-four hours after a prison officer was badly injured when a dissident republican car bomb detonated under his van in Belfast.
Police have been warning for a whole that dissidents republicans were planning to ramp up violence in the run-up to the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule in Dublin.
Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford condemned those responsible for amassing the explosives and weapons.
“Those responsible for leaving these munitions have no regard for human life and are motivated by a need to create fear and disruption in our community,” he said.
“Thankfully, due to the swift actions of the public and the professionalism and expertise of security forces, a potentially serious incident has been averted. I commend all involved for their vigilance.”
