Search ends at hostages’ houses

POLICE yesterday ended forensic examinations in the two homes taken over by the gang behind last week’s £22 million (€30 million) bank heist in the North.

The homes of 24-year-old Chris Ward, in the Poleglass area of west Belfast, and Kevin McMullan, in Loughinisland, Co Down, have been preserved as crime scenes since last Monday when details of the raid on the vaults of the Northern Bank in Belfast city centre first emerged.

Mr Ward and Mr McMullan’s family have had to spend Christmas away from their homes while the houses were dusted down for clues about the gang who held them hostage and carried out the robbery.

It is hoped the owners will be able to return today once both properties are cleaned properly following the forensic searches.

Meanwhile, police are still hunting for a handgun and ammunition which was stolen from a police Land Rover on Christmas Eve during searches of republican homes.

They were stolen from the vehicle in Cavendish Street, off the Falls Road area of west Belfast.

The police raids on republican homes followed a denial by the IRA that its members were involved.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has complained about police actions.