07/03/2016

Police Uncover Terrorist Hide In Co Antrim

Police have uncovered a terrorist hide at a country park in Co Antrim.

The hide contained bomb making components and explosives at Carnfunnock Country Park, near Larne.

The haul was discovered after a member of the public reported a suspicious object to police on Saturday afternoon. A number of small plastic barrels had been buried in a wooded area. Inside the barrels was a significant amount of bomb making components including partially constructed devices and a small quantity of explosives.

Detective Chief Inspector Gillian Kearney 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.

"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."

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson said: "Coming only days after a bomb attack on a prison officer in East Belfast, those who are seeking to cause instability in Northern Ireland must be condemned by everyone in the strongest possible terms.

"I want to praise the person who discovered the haul and the security forces for acting immediately to secure the safety of the public, potentially preventing further attacks.

"I would urge anyone with any information on this incident to contact police immediately."

(CD)

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