Far-right weapons haul seized in Belfast operation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 16:00 · Archive

Police discovered 17 improvised explosive devices linked to far-right terrorism in Belfast's Shankill Road area.

Police in Northern Ireland discovered an arsenal of 17 improvised explosive devices during searches in the Shankill Road area of Belfast on 30 and 31 October. The stash also contained two detonators and five stun guns. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the investigation is linked to extreme right-wing terrorism.

Wesley Thomas Fletcher, 35, of Leopold Street, was arrested in connection with the find. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday facing two charges of possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances and one charge of possession of a prohibited weapon, a Taser. He was remanded in custody and did not apply for bail. His next hearing is scheduled for 30 November.

The Belfast Telegraph reported that this was the largest haul of weaponry linked to the far right ever seized in Northern Ireland. Local residents were evacuated for safety during the police search operation.

How it is being reported

• Man arrested for having stash of IEDs, illegal tasers in BelfastPolice in Belfast, Northern Ireland, arrested a man in connection to a stash of weapons they found and said they were for far-right terrorism.UPI · 4 Nov, 15:34
• Weapons haul found in Belfast is linked to the far rightSuspect arrested after police uncover stash of 17 improvised explosive devices in search operation 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. Continue reading...The Guardian · 4 Nov, 12:53

In this story: Wesley Thomas Fletcher · Police Service of Northern Ireland · Belfast · Shankill Road

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