Three arrested after arms discovery

Three people have been arrested after police discovered a bomb and bullets at the home of a murdered paramilitary leader in Co Down.

The discovery was made after police searched the home of Jim Johnston, a member of the Red Hand Commandoes who was murdered last month.

Police said two men and a woman were arrested after officers recovered 250 rounds of ammunition and an explosive device.

Johnston was shot dead in the driveway of his secluded house in the Ballyrobert Road area of Crawfordsburn near the seaside town of Bangor on May 8.

The murder was believed to have been carried out by two gunmen.

Police said they believed the murder was linked to the illegal drugs trade.

Last night's search was carried out as the result of an operation by the Assets Recovery Agency, set up to investigate the finances of paramilitary leaders and organised crime bosses.