Man charged with explosives offences after west Belfast searches

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 31 Oct, 19:38 · Archive

A 35-year-old man has been charged with possessing explosives and a prohibited weapon following police searches in west Belfast. The searches were conducted by the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit on Shankill Road and Edwina Street on Friday, 30 October and Saturday, 31 October.

During the operation, suspicious devices were found and seized by officers. Ammunition technical officers were called to the scene, and a large cordon was placed in the Berlin Street area. Residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution during the security operation.

Detective Chief Inspector McCallum said that the devices, along with other items, have been taken for forensic examination. He thanked local residents for their patience during the searches, noting that all residents have now been allowed to return home and all cordons have been lifted from the area.

The man has been charged with two counts of possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances and possession of a prohibited weapon. According to Belfast Live, he is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday, 2 November. The BBC reports he is due to appear on Tuesday. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Detective Chief Inspector McCallum appealed for anyone with information that could assist the police investigation to come forward.

How it is being reported

• Man charged with explosives offences after police searchesThe suspect, who is 35, is due to appear in court, accused of possessing explosives and a weapon.BBC Northern Ireland · 31 Oct, 19:33
• Man to appear in court charged with possession of explosives after Shankill raidsResidents were evacuated from their homes on Friday after suspicious devices were foundBelfast Live · 31 Oct, 19:08
• Man to appear in court on explosives chargesBelfast Telegraph · 31 Oct, 18:49
• Man to appear in court on explosives charges after Belfast residents evacuated during major security operationBelfast Telegraph · 31 Oct, 18:49

In this story: PSNI · PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit · Belfast Magistrates' Court · Shankill Road · Edwina Street · West Belfast · Detective Chief Inspector McCallum

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log