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Major dissident arms dump uncovered near Lurgan Major dissident arms dump uncovered near Lurgan
(35 minutes later)
Police have uncovered what is believed to be a significant dissident republican arms hide in County Armagh. A major arms hide believed to be connected to dissident republicans has been uncovered in County Armagh.
Major firearms and munitions were discovered during an ongoing two-day search operation on the outskirts of Lurgan. Major firearms and munitions were discovered by police during an ongoing two-day search operation on the outskirts of Lurgan.
Det Supt Karen Baxter said they believed one of the finds was a "fully constructed explosive device". Det Supt Karen Baxter said police believe one of the items is a "fully constructed explosive device".
"These items were in the advanced stages of readiness and some were ready to be used," she said."These items were in the advanced stages of readiness and some were ready to be used," she said.
She said it was a "significant and key" find that had saved lives. It was a "significant and key" find that had saved lives, she added.
The hide was discovered in a wooded area near a derelict house close to the railway line between Lisburn in County Antrim and Portadown in County Armagh.The hide was discovered in a wooded area near a derelict house close to the railway line between Lisburn in County Antrim and Portadown in County Armagh.
Other items found were homemade explosives, improvised mortars and launchers, a number of pipe bombs and three firearms.Other items found were homemade explosives, improvised mortars and launchers, a number of pipe bombs and three firearms.
Det Sup Baxter said it was difficult to say how long the hide had been there, but during the search other hides in the area had been uncovered and other items found.Det Sup Baxter said it was difficult to say how long the hide had been there, but during the search other hides in the area had been uncovered and other items found.
Policing Board chair Anne Connolly thanked the police and army bomb experts who were involved in the operation.Policing Board chair Anne Connolly thanked the police and army bomb experts who were involved in the operation.
"It's a great result for the PSNI to find these firearms and munitions and take them away from those who would have used them to cause harm in our community," she said."It's a great result for the PSNI to find these firearms and munitions and take them away from those who would have used them to cause harm in our community," she said.
Speaking after the find, Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Seeley said: "The fact that those who would try to roll back the progress we have made as a society will not be able to use these weapons is to be welcomed. Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Seeley said: "The fact that those who would try to roll back the progress we have made as a society will not be able to use these weapons is to be welcomed.
"I'm glad these materials have taken out of circulation and cannot be used to endanger life.""I'm glad these materials have taken out of circulation and cannot be used to endanger life."
DUP MLA Carla Lockhart praised the police for their actions.DUP MLA Carla Lockhart praised the police for their actions.
"It should be a wake-up call to those in our community who want to return to the past, that the PSNI will continue to work to defeat the threat of dissident activity," she said."It should be a wake-up call to those in our community who want to return to the past, that the PSNI will continue to work to defeat the threat of dissident activity," she said.
Secretary of State James Brokenshire commended the police and bomb disposal team for their "professionalism".
"Those responsible for hiding these explosives want to drag Northern Ireland backwards," he said.
"They will not succeed. This is a reminder of the continuing need for vigilance and to report any information - no matter how small - to the PSNI."
In May, components for making bombs were found at Capanagh Forest near Larne in County Antrim.In May, components for making bombs were found at Capanagh Forest near Larne in County Antrim.
Police said that was one of the most significant arms discoveries in years.Police said that was one of the most significant arms discoveries in years.
Arms were also found at Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne in March.Arms were also found at Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne in March.