Three arrested and weapons seized following "disturbance" at Strabane funeral

by Q Radio News

Three men have been arrested following a disturbance at a funeral in Strabane.

It happened at a chapel St. Mary's Church in Strabane this morning. 

The suspects detained were aged 17, 22 and 32 after a scuffle broke out inside the church.  

A number of weapons were seized including Stanley knives and a hatchet but no-one was injured.

Police say they are aware of online reports suggesting shots had been fired, however, they have found no evidence to suggest that. 

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.”

Huge police presence at a funeral here in Strabane today. It is believed that a scuffle broke out in the church during the service. Up to 20 police landrovers here in the grounds of church. Funeral and burial went ahead as planned. More details as I get them pic.twitter.com/3yObvyu2zt

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) February 27, 2020

This is the live webcam from the church in #Strabane today where trouble flared. No confirmation of shots fired, but there was a scuffle which caused pandemonium https://t.co/GsEPK17fmH

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) February 27, 2020