THE discovery of a number of suspected firearms in east Belfast was last night described as "deeply concerning".
Police received a report at around 3.20pm on Wednesday that a suspicious object had been found in the vicinity of Glenside in the Cregagh Road area.
Police attended the scene along with Ammunition Technical Officers and "a number of firearms were discovered".
A PSNI spokesman said enquiries into the find "are continuing".
It is not the first time firearms have been found in the area.
In August 2013, 16 handguns and more than 800 rounds of ammunition were found hidden on National Trust land at Lisnabreeny Walk close to the Manse Road, around a mile away.
Police described the discovery as the "largest find" in recent years.
The discovery was made as a result of a security alert in the area.
In relation to the latest find, DUP councillor David Brooks described the find as "deeply concerning".
"This area immediately neighbours the Cregagh Glen where so many from the local community come to enjoy a walk or just take in the natural beauty," he said.
"Clearly the reports will cause some alarm to those who live in or regularly visit the area, particularly given this it is a place where young families spend time and let children explore.
"I have spoken with police and I know they are continuing their search and investigations, and we await further details".
Alliance councillor Michael Long branded the fact that the firearms had been left in the area "irresponsible and wreckless".
"The fact that it was somebody out walking that found them is a grave concern but also that they have been left accessible to the public and the danger it would put people in," he said.
"Children or whoever could have picked them up.
"I am pleased they have been discovered but it is totally irresponsible and wreckless. At least they have been taken off the streets".
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said the people of Cregagh "should not have to put up with this kind of sinister act.
"Those responsible for leaving weapons in a public area, where they could pose a risk to children and other people are wholly irresponsible," he said.
"I will be engaging with the PSNI on the issue of firearms being dumped as there have now been a number of incidents in the Lisnasharragh area".
