Paramilitaries 'probably left arms cache'

A small cache of arms and explosives found in woods was probably left there by republican paramilitaries, gardaí said today.

Gardaí said the items appeared to be fairly old and were likely to have been there a number of years.

The discovery of two detonators, components of mortar devices and half a stick of gelignite was made this morning in a densely wooded area on the shores of Lake Derravargh, Crookedwood, Co Westmeath.

A garda source said: “These are the sort of items republican paramilitaries would have used. They are not the type of thing ordinary criminals would generally have.

“They were probably left there a number of years ago.”

The items were not believed to be of danger to the public but army personnel were brought to the scene as a precaution.

They were inspecting the area to ensure no other weapons were there.