Police searching for guns used in the sectarian killing of Mr Philip Allen and Mr Damien Trainor in a Poyntzpass bar in March last year unwittingly uncovered the clothes allegedly worn by the gunmen.
However, police did not realise the significance of the bag of clothing, and it was picked up by detectives the following day.
The detectives were taken to the bag by a suspect in the murder, Mr David Keyes, later murdered in the Maze prison while on remand. He also led detectives to the guns allegedly used in the double shooting. The prosecution claims it can link the clothing to the two men on trial for the murders, Mr Stephen McClean (30), of Hillside Park, Banbridge, Co Down, and Mr Noel McCready (32), of Dickson Park, Seapatrick, Co Down.
The trial continues today.