The cache of weapons was found in the Shankill Road area of Belfast on 30 and 31 October. Photograph: Radharc Images/AlamyThe cache of weapons was found in the Shankill Road area of Belfast on 30 and 31 October. Photograph: Radharc Images/AlamyPolice say explosive devices found in Belfast are linked to ‘rightwing terrorism’Suspect arrested after police uncover 17 improvised explosive devices during operation in Shankill Road area
An arsenal of explosive devices discovered in Northern Ireland is believed to be linked to far-right terrorism, police have said.
The stash of 17 improvised explosive devices and other material was found during searches in the Shankill Road area of Belfast on 30 and 31 October.
“The investigation is linked to extreme rightwing terrorism. There is nothing further at this time,” the Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Wednesday.
It was the largest haul of weaponry linked to the far right ever seized in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph reported.
The explosive devices were found with two detonators and five stun guns during a search and security operation. One man was arrested.
Wesley Thomas Fletcher, 35, of Leopold Street, appeared at Belfast magistrates court on Monday to face two charges of possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances and one charge of possession of a prohibited weapon, a Taser.
When asked if he understood the charges, Fletcher replied “Yes”. No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody with the next hearing scheduled for 30 November.
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