Two arrested in NI weapons op

Two people were arrested in Northern Ireland today following the seizure of weapons in a crackdown on dissident republican terrorists.

The man and women were detained in Co Fermanagh hours after police found three handguns, a quantity of ammunition, a timer device, and a substance - which was being examined to establish whether it was an explosive – near the village of Rosslea yesterday.

The security operation, on the Lettergreen Road, Donagh, was continuing today after an all day search yesterday, said police.

The operation was the latest in a number carried out by the security forces following a Continuity IRA bomb attack in Enniskillen last week.

Six police officers suffered minor injuries when a device exploded at the Town Hall as they evacuated the area on the evening of February 10.

Chief Inspector John Maxwell from Enniskillen District Command Unit said it was a significant find and he had no doubt it had saved lives.

“I am delighted that these weapons, ammunition and timer power unit have been recovered.

“Following the explosion in Enniskillen last week, police have continued to concentrate their efforts on the activities of dissident republicans and I have no doubt that lives have been saved by this find.”

Commenting on the weapons discovery local SDLP assembly member Tommy Gallagher said it was evidence “some people are still intent on causing damage and jeopardising people’s lives”.

Mr Gallagher added: “It is long past time for an end to all paramilitary activity.

“The small number of people who are involved in this activity are acting against the wishes of the great majority.”