POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have uncovered 16 modern semi-automatic handguns and more than 800 rounds of ammunition after a security alert in Belfast.
Roads in the Castlereagh area were closed while police carried out an investigation during which the weapons haul was discovered this morning.
UTV reports that the guns and amunition were buried in the ground.
“The recovery of these weapons has undoubtedly thwarted the attempts of criminals to inflict death, injury and misery on the community” said Detective Superintendent Wright of the Serious Crime Branch of the PSNI.
“Police are determined to work to protect communities from these threats,” he added.
He appealed to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Manse Road area of Castlereagh to contact the PSNI or independent charity Crimestoppers which accepts anonymous submissions.
The weapons and munitions were taken away from the scene for forensic examination.
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