Explosives seized in operation targeting UVF

Guns and explosives were found in homes hidden behind plasterboard and inside a school bag during an operation targeting the East Belfast UVF, a court heard yesterday.

Police revealed the storage locations as two former soldiers were among four men from the city remanded into custody on weapons charges connected to the seizures.

Officers from the PSNI’S Paramilitary Crime Task Force recovered eight handguns and three pipe bombs from houses and business premises in the lower Newtownards Road area.

Two vehicles, assorted bullets, balaclavas and UVF flags were also seized.