'Advanced bomb and weapons' found in Lurgan

An advanced stage bomb and a weapons cache has been uncovered from a number of dissident hides at a former convent in Lurgan.

It follows a security operation which began on Thursday in the Cornakinnegar Road area.

The railway line was initially closed, then reopened for a while on Thursday evening, before being shut again on Friday.

Police announced the discovery on Friday afternoon.

Among the weapons found were firearms including a shotgun, explosive components as well as timers.

This find follows discovery of other terrorist weapons hides in Cappanagh, Larne and Carnfunnock Park, Co Antrim earlier this year.

Other grenades and explosives found on Friday were kept under lock and key by the PSNI.

Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly has welcomed the discovery.

“It’s a great result for the PSNI to find these firearms/munitions and take them away from those who would have used them to cause harm in our community," she said.

"Our thanks go to the PSNI and the Army Technical Officers who have been involved in the recovery of these items and to the wider community for their patience as a result of the disruption.”

The rail line between Lisburn and Portadown has since been reopened.