PSNI seize loyalist weapons cache

Police have seized a loyalist paramilitary weapons cache in Belfast, it emerged today.

Three men and a woman were taken for questioning after officers raided a location in the south of the city.

Assorted guns, ammunition and a quantity of explosives was also discovered during searches at Burmah Street, off the Ormeau Road, last night.

Residents were evacuated from their homes overnight after military experts were called in to examine the scene.

Four arrests were made during the operation.

Homeowners were only allowed to return today once Army checks were completed.

Police have confirmed paramilitary involvement in the weapons was a line of inquiry, with loyalist terrorists the main suspects.

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey expressed concern over the guns purpose.

He said: “People in this area are worried about what these weapons were going to be used for.

“Previous arms finds in this area have been attributed to unionist death squads and more often than not these weapons have been used against nationalists.

“I believe that the discovery of these weapons serves to highlight the urgency which must be placed upon getting the political institutions back up and running.”

He added: “I would urge loyalists to follow the example set by the IRA last year in laying down their arms.”