Northern Ireland

Rocket launcher and replica gun found in Dundrod alert

The rocket launcher that was found during the security alert in Dundrod 
The rocket launcher that was found during the security alert in Dundrod  The rocket launcher that was found during the security alert in Dundrod 

POLICE have appealed for information after the discovery of a rocket launcher and other "terrorist-related" items during a security alert in Dundrod, Co Antrim.

As well as the rocket launcher, police found a bag containing a replica pistol, baseball bat, a hammer and gloves during the alert on the Budore Road which began at around 5.30pm on Sunday and lasted more than 24 hours.

Detective Inspector David Lowans from PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch said: “Our investigation is at an early stage however we now believe that the improvised rocket launcher has been in the Budore Road area for between 3-4 weeks.

The bag that was found contained a replica pistol, baseball bat, a hammer and gloves 
The bag that was found contained a replica pistol, baseball bat, a hammer and gloves  The bag that was found contained a replica pistol, baseball bat, a hammer and gloves 

"We have also established the launcher was viable which demonstrates that whoever left it there had no regard for who might come across it."

The bag was found during follow-up searches yesterday.

Detective Inspector Lowans said: "While I am not able to link the finds at this stage they both bear all the hallmarks of dissident republicans and this is a strong line of enquiry."