Ireland

Man arrested on suspicion of making explosives

Viable explosive device made safe and removed from flat in Newtownards

epa07261133 (FILE) - Northern Ireland's PSNI crest outside Antrim police station in Antrim, Northern Ireland, 02 May 2014 (reissued 04 January 2019). British media reports on 04 January 2019 state Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI has asked up to 1,000 officers to be deployed in Northern Ireland as a reinforcement in case of a no-deal Brexit. Authorities fear violence could occur if a hard border will be established between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland. EPA/PAUL MCERLANE

`Local residents have returned to their homes and officers would like to thank all those affected by this incident for their patience,' the PSNI said on Tuesday night. Photograph: Paul McErlane/EPA

Mark Hilliard
Tue Feb 6 2024 - 23:54

A man has been arrested by police in Co Down on suspicion of making explosives and possessing a firearm under suspicious circumstances.

The 34-year-old was taken into custody following the discovery of a suspicious object at an address in the Rosevale Avenue area of Newtownards on Tuesday.

A subsequent examination by ammunition technical officers found it to be a viable explosive device which was then made safe and removed from the flat along with a number of suspected firearms for further examination.

The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances, making explosives under suspicious circumstances and possession of a class C drug and was taken into custody for questioning.

READ MORE

“Local residents have returned to their homes and officers would like to thank all those affected by this incident for their patience,” the PSNI said on Tuesday night. “Police remain at the scene at this time conducting further enquiries.”

  • Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
  • Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
  • Our In The News podcast is now published daily – Find the latest episode here
Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard is a reporter with The Irish Times

LATEST STORIES