Police question man after weapons find

Police in Northern Ireland are questioning a man today following a significant seizure of weapons and paramilitary equipment in Co Antrim.

Police said two sawn-off shotguns, a single barrelled shotgun and three handguns were uncovered during a search of a house in the Drumtara area of Ballymena yesterday.

Also seized were component parts for pipe bombs, a quantity of ammunition, balaclava masks and cudgels.

During the security operation, which continued for much of the day, several homes in the area were evacuated.

A second man who was arrested at the scene was later released without charge.

Meanwhile, a Free Presbyterian Minister has vowed to complain to the Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable after a bible linked to his church was exhibited by police as being among the arms find.

Rev David McIlveen said the Bible’s message was contrary to any paramilitary activity.

He said: ‘‘When we present bibles to people, and I am not ashamed of distributing the bible to people, we cannot be responsible for the persons who then take up that bible.

‘‘It is a misuse of the Bible, both by the police and by the paramilitary movement."