Terrorist material found during the searches earlier this month in Lurgan and Benburb

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have uncovered a dissident republican weapon and explosives hide in a cemetery.

The haul was uncovered during a search in the grounds of St Coleman’s Cemetary in Lurgan on Tuesday n relation to an ongoing investigation into dissident republicans. 

It follows a 12 day operation in the Lurgan and Benburb area earlier this month when detectives uncovered a significant amount of dangerous weapons during 13 searches.

This included 2 shotguns and 4 handguns, explosives, fertiliser, ammunition, tools, an improvised detonator, a suspected mortar tube, component parts for bomb making, mobile phones and other terrorist paraphernalia.

Detective Inspector Brown said: “Tuesday’s search further demonstrates that we will continue to work with our communities to disrupt the activities of these reprehensible people.

“A quantity of prescription drugs were found and have been removed for further examination.

“I would appeal for anyone with information about any suspicious activity or about any of the items we have found over the last few weeks to get in contact with police on 101.

“Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”