Terrorism-related equipment uncovered in forested area of Co.Armagh

Q Radio news

Police in Co Armagh have uncovered a significant amount of terrorism-related equipment and ammunition in a forest.

Component parts for mortars, including six mortar tubes, were found in a forested area at the Carewamean Road area of Forkhill following a search on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Graham Orr, from the PSNI's Terrorist Investigation Unit, says early indications point to dissident republican activity.

"Police were made aware of suspicious items and following a search earlier today, we discovered the items buried in the ground in a wooded area in a constructed hide," he said.

"Our inquiries are progressing and a detailed forensic examination of all these items will take some time.

"At this stage, it is too early to attribute ownership of these materials to any particular grouping or individual.

"It is vital that people remain vigilant, wherever they are and whatever they are doing.

"We will continue to work with our communities to disrupt the activities of the small group of people who are intent on using violence.

"There is no place for this type of activity and the vast majority of people in our communities want to live in a peaceful society.

"Due to the location of the find and the items located in it, I believe vehicles or machinery may have been used to transport the items and access the site.

"The investigation is in the early stages and we are still working to establish the time frame but initial observations suggest that this is a more recent hide linked to dissident republican activity.

"I would appeal to anyone who has noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the Carewamean Road area to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 846.

"This may have been something you saw recently or it could have been a few years ago - please let us know either way and we can consider the information.

"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."