PSNI finds bible in Co Antrim arms cache

Police in Northern Ireland are continuing to question a man today following a significant seizure of weapons and paramilitary…

Police in Northern Ireland are continuing to question a man today following a significant seizure of weapons and paramilitary equipment in Co Antrim. A bible was also found in the cache.

Police said two sawn-off shotguns, a single-barrelled shotgun and three handguns were uncovered during a search of a house in the Drumtara area of Ballymena yesterday.

Also seized were component parts for pipe bombs, a quantity of ammunition, balaclava masks and cudgels.

During the security operation, which continued for much of the day, several homes in the area were evacuated.

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A second man who was arrested at the scene was later released without charge.

Free Presbyterian Minister Rev David McIlveen says he will complain to the PSNI chief constable after a bible linked to his church was exhibited by police as being among the arms find.

Rev McIlveen said the bible's message was contrary to any paramilitary activity: "When we present bibles to people, and I am not ashamed of distributing the bible to people, we cannot be responsible for the persons who then take up that bible.

"It is a misuse of the bible, both by the police and by the paramilitary movement.

PA