'Terrorist Hide' Discovered In Co Antrim

A 'terrorist hide' containing components which could have formed part of a bomb has been found in a forest in County Antrim.

The discovery was made at Capanagh Forest near Larne on Saturday, 14 May.

The items have been removed for forensic examination, according to the police.

The following items were recovered from the barrels:

• An Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP)

• Two Claymore anti-personnel mines

• Several pipe bombs

• Quantities of explosives and ammunition

• Command wire

• Component parts to construct a substantial number of explosive devices

• Magazines and ammunition for an assault rifle

Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, from Serious Crime Branch, said: "This is one of the most significant seizures of explosives which police have made in recent years, both in terms of its size and its capability. A number of these devices were ready to be deployed. This seizure has undoubtedly saved lives.

"We are investigating a link to a previous find of munitions at Carnfunnock Country Park in the Larne area last March when bomb making components and explosives were uncovered. There are links in terms of the general location and the manner and method of storage and packaging of these munitions.

"The fact that an Explosively Formed Projectile was recovered which has an armour-piercing capability means that one of our main lines of enquiry will focus on dissident republican terrorists. All these components will now be subjected to rigorous forensic testing in an effort to provide additional lines of enquiry."

Detective Inspector Adrian Brown said: "This investigation is at a very early stage and we are working to establish whether this find is linked to a terrorist hide that was discovered at Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne in March 2016.

"I would ask the public to remain vigilant wherever they are and whatever they are doing. If you see any suspicious activity, or have seen anything unusual in this area, please contact police so that we can act on the given information."

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson said: "To have two such discoveries in close proximity in a number of months can only be described as extremely worrying.

"This minority looking to cause instability and drag us back to the bad old days of violence and terror are fighting a losing battle. They are to be condemned utterly.

"Thanks go to the people who discovered this hide and the security forces for acting in such a quick manner, ensuring the safety of the public and potentially saving lives. I urge anyone with information on this to contact police immediately."

Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan said: "I'm glad this material discovered in Capanagh Forest near Larne has been taken out of circulation and will not be used to endanger life.

"The fact that those would try to roll back the progress we have made as a society, regardless of who they claim to represent, will not be able to use these components is to be welcomed.

"There is no reason, rationale or justification for the existence of armed groups in this day and age."

(CD/JP)