Significant Terrorist Hide Uncovered In Armagh

Police have uncovered a significant amount of ammunition and equipment related to terrorism in a forest in south Armagh.

The terrorist hide containing competent parts for mortars was found in the Carewamean Road area of Forkhill following a search on Wednesday 06 March. The road runs close to the Irish border, and investigating officers have indicated a link to dissident republican activity.

Detective Inspector Graham Orr from PSNI Terrorist Investigation Unit said: "Police were made aware of suspicious items and following a search earlier today, we discovered the items buried in the ground in a wooded area in a constructed hide. Our enquiries are progressing and a detailed forensic examination of all these items will take some time. At this stage, it is too early to attribute ownership of these materials to any particular grouping or individual.

"It is vital that people remain vigilant, wherever they are and whatever they are doing. We will continue to work with our communities to disrupt the activities of the small group of people who are intent on using violence. There is no place for this type of activity and the vast majority of people in our communities want to live in a peaceful society."

Police believe vehicles may have been used to transport the items and access the site.

DI Orr continued: "The investigation is in the early stages and we are still working to establish the timeframe but initial observations suggest that this is a more recent hide linked to dissident republican activity. I would appeal to anyone who has noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the Carewamean Road area to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 846. This may have been something you saw recently or it could have been a few years ago - please let us know either way and we can consider the information. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

UUP Councillor David Taylor has praised the PSNI for their work in uncovering the hide in a potentially life saving operation.

He commented: "I want to offer much praise to the PSNI for their work in discovering a significant terrorist hide in the Forkhill area of South Armagh.

"The discovery of component parts for mortars, including six mortar tubes, in a forested area at Carewamean Road, Forkhill highlights the very significant threat still posed by republican terrorists.

"There will be great relief within the local community that these lethal items have been recovered and I have no doubt that lives have been saved as a result of this police operation."



(JG/CM)