Rocket launcher discovered in Co.Antrim weapons cache

By David Hunter

Police have discovered an improvised rocket launcher in Dundrod, Co.Antrim.

Imitation firearms were among a number of other terrorist related articles discovered during a security alert on the Budore Road, earlier this week. 

A suspicious object was discovered at around 5.30pm on Sunday, and a number of roads were closed overnight whilst enquiries were carried out.

Detectives have been conducting more searches in the area today and say the item may have been left there in the past four weeks.

Army bomb teams were also deployed to the security alert and removed the objects for further examination on Monday evening.

Detective Inspector David Lowans said; “Our investigation is at an early stage however we now believe that the improvised rocket launcher has been in the Budore Road area for between 3-4 weeks.

"We have also established the launcher was viable which demonstrates that whoever left it there had no regard for who might come across it.

“During further searches on Monday, officers found a bag in a ditch less than 40 metres away from the rocket launcher which contained a replica pistol, baseball bat, hammer and gloves. 

“While I am not able to link the finds at this stage they both bear all the hallmarks of Dissident Republicans and this is a strong line of enquiry."