Over 700 Rounds Of Ammunition Seized During Searches In West Belfast

Over 700 rounds of ammunition were seized by police during searches in west Belfast on Sunday.

The searches were part of an investigation into dissident republican terrorist activity.

A 57-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man were arrested and are being detained in custody.

The items recovered included:

• 700 rounds of assorted ammunition

• 7 mercury tilt switches

• Detonator cord

• Firework powder

• Assault rifle magazine.

Detective Inspector Philip Montgomery, from Serious Crime Branch, said: "We believe this is a significant seizure of munitions and bomb making components which was uncovered during a search of a house at Broom Close in the Twinbrook area. The items were concealed in a burn bag in the roof space. Inside the brown paper bag were more than 700 rounds of assorted ammunition packed into items of clothing, plastic bags and containers.

"Officers later searched another property at Glenwood Walk in Poleglass and several items have been taken away for detailed examination. We are not in a position at present to disclose what we have found there.

"We believe this is a significant find because it has taken off the streets materials designed to kill and injure. We apologise to local communities who were inconvenienced by Sunday's searches. We would like to thank local political and community representatives for working with us during the search operation."

(CD/MH)