Hatchets and knives seized after scuffles at funeral

Police in Co Tyrone have seized multiple dangerous weapons following a disturbance at a funeral on Thursday morning.

Three men aged 17, 22 and 32 were arrested following the disorder at the funeral Mass in St Mary's Church on the Melmount Road in Strabane.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was aware of online postings, saying that shots were fired during the trouble but that officers found no evidence to support those claims.

Weapons seized included 13 hatchets, some machetes and several Stanley knives.

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The funeral was for a young man called Brian McDonagh, a native of Strabane who had been living in England, who was brought home to be buried in his home town.

On some video footage the parish priest of St Mary’s, Fr Michael Doherty, is seen officiating while a young woman delivers a eulogy to the late Mr McDonagh from the altar.

As she reads a poem in his honour there is a noise from the body of the church which some people appear to suspect is a gun shot. There is then evidence of panic and of people rushing on to the altar or out of the church.

One source suggested the sound was a falling seat.

PSNI officers were conscious of the potential for trouble arising from feuding and were prepared for the disturbances that flared at what police and local sources said was a Traveller funeral.

“A significant proactive policing operation was in place this morning in the Melmount Road area to prevent disorder and keep people safe,” said district commander Chief Supt Emma Bond.

“A disturbance did break out within the church. However it was quickly addressed. A number of dangerous weapons were seized and we are thankful to have been able to remove these items from the streets,” she added. “We are aware of tensions between individuals who were in attendance at the funeral and I am appealing to anyone with influence to help bring about a calm resolution to the current issues.”