There was also sections of police uniforms, including caps, Nato style jumpers and waterproof clothing as well as balaclavas. When police raided the house where the trio were arrested they came under attack from a crowd of about 150 who encircled the officers and pelted them with petrol bombs, stones and bottles. One man was arrested on suspicion of throwing petrol bombs. Sinn Fein said the arm find was evidence that some groups have not been convinced that politics are capable of delivering the change that is required to create a just and equal society. He said if justification for the continued use of armed activity was to be removed, it had to be shown that politics would be allowed to deliver the change wanted.
Police believe that dissident republican groups are planning a major new offensive.