Heavy duty weapon found in NI park

Police said detectives from the NI Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) confirmed last night (Monday) that an item seized during planned searches of Lord Lurgan Park was a ‘partially constructed, improvised heavy duty weapon’.

The PSNI said it was among a number of items seized for forensic examination during an ‘ongoing investigation into violent dissident republicanism’.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rowland, of the Terrorist Investigation Unit, said: “Using a public park to store such items is irresponsible and demonstrates a complete disregard for the members of this community, including many families and young children who use this park for recreation.

“I want to appeal to anyone who has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the park or in the local area, or has any information, to contact police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said: “The news that a partially constructed heavy duty weapon has been found on Lord Lurgan Park is concerning.

“It will add to the sense that violent republican terrorists see Lurgan, along with Londonderry, as the centre of gravity.

“I am in no doubt that the vast majority of people in Lurgan, regardless of what community they come from, do not want these thugs, bullies, criminals, drug dealers and terrorists anywhere near Lurgan. The very fact they’d hide a weapon in a park shows they do not care about the community they say they represent.

“They need to be driven from the area by using the the full power of the police and that means finding them, gathering evidence and putting them behind bars.”

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly said: “Although I’m very relieved that this weapon was found and taken out of circulation like many people, I’m angry that there are those who continuously display a wanton disregard for the safety of children and other park users.

“It is clear at this stage that dissidents refuse to listen to the rest of us who want to live in a society free from violence.

“They give no coherent rationale for their actions (probably because there isn’t one) and must be put out of business. I ask people with information to assist the police with their investigation.”

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