Northern Ireland

Three arrested and weapons seized after Strabane funeral disturbance

Police seized a large number of weapons including hatchets and knives at the funeral in Strabane. Picture by PSNI 
Police seized a large number of weapons including hatchets and knives at the funeral in Strabane. Picture by PSNI  Police seized a large number of weapons including hatchets and knives at the funeral in Strabane. Picture by PSNI 

A hatchet and Stanley knives were among weapons seized as police arrested three people after a disturbance at a Co Tyrone funeral.

Scuffles broke out during the service at a church on the Melmount Road in Strabane this morning.

The incident prompted a significant police operation and three men aged 32, 22 and 17 were detained.

The PSNI released a picture of the weapons seized by officers, which included two billhooks, several Stanley knives and more than a dozen hatchets.

District Commander Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: "A significant proactive policing operation was in place this morning in the Melmount Road area to prevent disorder and keep people safe.

"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.

"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."

No serious injuries were reported.

Police said they were aware of online reports that shots had been fired but officers had found no evidence to support those claims.