A 35-year-old man is set to appear in court on Monday following a police operation in Belfast that resulted in the seizure of suspicious devices. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) charged the man with explosives and firearms offences after searches were conducted across properties in the city’s north and west.
Charges and Court Appearance
The suspect, who remains in police custody, faces multiple charges under the Explosives Act and the Firearms Order. According to the PSNI, these include two counts of possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances and one count of possessing a prohibited weapon, specifically described as a device for the discharge of electricity or a noxious gas. The man is scheduled to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, The Guardian reported.
Security Operation on Shankill Road and Edwina Street
The charges follow a multi-day security operation that centered on properties in the Shankill Road and Edwina Street areas. Officers, supported by ammunition technical officers, carried out searches on Friday and Saturday. During the operation, authorities located and seized several suspicious devices along with other unspecified items, which have since been sent for forensic examination.
While the PSNI initially described the operation as a "proactive investigation into suspected terrorism offences," the force confirmed that local residents who were evacuated as a precaution have now been permitted to return to their homes. All police cordons in the affected areas have been lifted.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector McCallum stated that inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are continuing. The PSNI has appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact them on 101, referencing the case number 261 30/10/26. While RTE.ie reported that the man was arrested as part of a probe by the PSNI’s terrorism investigation unit, the PSNI’s formal charges focus on the possession of explosives and prohibited weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items did the police seize during the searches?
Police recovered "a number of suspicious devices" along with other items from properties on Shankill Road and Edwina Street. These items were removed by ammunition technical officers for forensic examination.
Are residents still displaced from their homes?
No. All cordons have been lifted, and residents who were evacuated as a safety precaution have been allowed to return to their homes, according to the PSNI.
What is the reference number for providing information to the PSNI?
The police have asked the public to quote reference number 261 30/10/26 when calling 101 with any information regarding the investigation.
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