Police arrest four men as RPG and warhead seized

Four people have been arrested following a weapons find in County Tyrone.

Army bomb experts have sealed off part of the Ardmore Road in Coalisland where officers discovered weapons during an operation on Sunday February 17.

Army Technical Officers made safe an RPG rocket launcher and a warhead during an overnight eight-hour security clearance operation.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman confirmed that crowds attacked police with stones and bottles during the eight-hour security operation.

The security forces put the weapons on display on Monday, before taking the items away for forensic examination.

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White praised the work of his officers and said they had thwarted a serious terrorist incident.

He said: "I have no doubt that lives have been saved. At this stage it appears that this is a significant success against dissident republican terrorists.

"When you look at the type of weapon and the location it has all the hallmarks of dissident republican activity."

SDLP assembly member for Mid Ulster Denis Haughey said the find was "undoubtedly significant". He said: "The terrorists who are stockpiling these weapons have no mandate to carry out their violent attacks. Violence and acts of terrorism achieve nothing but pain and suffering. This weekend's find will undoubtedly save lives."

Billy Armstrong, UUP assembly member for same area said: "This find of a primed RPG rocket launcher and warhead is incredible. It proves again that there are Republicans out there who refuse to become completely and verifiably committed to peaceful means.

"The security forces of Northern Ireland have saved numerous lives on this occasion and they must be praised for their good work and dedication to the removal of evil forces."

(AMcE)