Police have arrested four men after seizing eight handguns and three pipe bombs in a pre-planned operation targeting the East Belfast UVF on Friday night
Four men - aged 34, 47, 49 and 51 - have been arrested and are being questioned.
Two vehicles were also seized during the searches as well a large quantity of assorted ammunition, balaclavas and UVF flags. The searches led to two security alerts, that required homes to be evacuated in the Connswater Grove area and near the Skainos Centre.Police Service of Northern Ireland Det Ch Supt Andy Hill described the seizures were significant.
"We are really pleased about being able to take these weapons off the streets that would, we feel, have been used to harm the community," he said."The reckless storage of these explosive devices meant local police had to close the roads and evacuate residents in two separate areas of the lower Newtownards Road last night, causing disruption for local people trying to go about their business.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Handguns and pipe bombs recovered during searches targeting East Belfast UVFFour men have also been arrested
Read more »
East Belfast: Two security alerts now over, say policeBomb disposal officers were called to separate alerts in the Connswater Grove and Newtownards Road areas.
Read more »
East Belfast: Police at scene of second security alertA suspicious object has been found on Newtownards Road, following a similar discovery earlier.
Read more »
East Belfast: Police at scene of second security alertA second security alert is underway in east Belfast after a suspicious object was discovered on the Newtownards Road, PoliceServiceNI say
Read more »
UVF mural on Shankill Road being investigated by policeA relative of a woman killed by Joe Coggle after he knocked her over says she is gutted by the mural.
Read more »
Connswater Grove homes evacuated after device found in east BelfastArmy bomb disposal experts are at the scene at Connswater Grove, close to the Sydenham Bypass.
Read more »