Terrorist Hide Uncovered In Co Armagh

A significant terrorist hide, containing bomb components and explosives, has been uncovered in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Police made the discovery in the Cornakinnegar Road area during an ongoing security alert which began on Thursday, 04 August.

The railway line between Moira and Lurgan was closed on Friday following the find.

Among the weapons discovered were a shotgun, a long barrelled rifle, a pistol, detonators, ammunition, constituent parts of home made explosives and other bomb making components including partially constructed devices.

Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter, from Serious Crime Branch, said: "All of these items will be subjected to a detailed forensic examination. 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 enquiry.

"It is clear that the people who were hiding these components had one clear aim in mind – to kill and maim. I believe that all these items would have been used to make explosive devices and cause terror within the community.

"I have no doubt that we have removed a lethal threat from the streets of Northern Ireland but 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 railway line has closed for the second time in 24 hours and may 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."

Ulster Unionist MLA for Upper Bann Doug Beattie MC said: "This is fantastic work by the PSNI in the Lurgan area. The find of a substantial amount of arms & munitions is a major success and a significant blow against republican terrorism. Some of these devices were in the advanced stages of construction. Without a shadow of a doubt, their removal has saved individuals from death or serious injury."

(CD/JP)