Belfast warhead discovery 'has saved lives'
The discovery of a rocket launcher and warhead in the North has saved lives, police said.
The explosives were found at a house in West Belfast yesterday by officers probing dissident republicanism.
The anti-peace process armed factions have been linked to the killing of soldiers, police officers and a prison warder.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman said: “These weapon systems are clearly intended to kill and we should be in no doubt that the recovery of these items has saved lives.”
Northern Ireland Police Federation chairman Terry Spence, who represents rank and file officers, praised his “brave” colleagues.
“The rocket launcher and warhead seized by the PSNI in west Belfast were undoubtedly intended to murder officers,” he said.
“No hiding place for terrorists. A magnificent job by our brave colleagues.”
Police have been on high alert for more attacks in the North for some time.
The munitions were seized in Hawthorn Street off the Falls Road.
The police spokesman said last night: “Detectives from PSNI serious crime branch have this evening recovered a rocket launcher and warhead from a house.
“The search was conducted in relation to ongoing dissident republican activity.”
The items have been taken away for forensic examination.
Earlier this month Gardaí intercepted a suspected dissident republican haul of rocket launchers and explosives in Co Tipperary which were believed to be en route to the North.
Yesterday officers in Great Britain expressed concern about helping police the G8 economic summit of world leaders this summer in Northern Ireland because of the danger.
PSNI chief constable Matt Baggott has warned he needs more officers to cope with the ongoing security threat and other unrest.
