'Significant munitions find' in bag in River Lagan

A “significant munitions find” has been uncovered in a sports holdall bag in the River Lagan.

Police said the bag contained suspected explosive devices including 28 pipe bombs, improvised grenades and an under-vehicle bomb.

It was found on Thursday evening during dredging work in the river, sparking a security alert.

The Queen Elizabeth Bridge and a nearby footbridge were closed for a time while the items were examined, but have now been reopened.

Police described the items “potentially lethal weapons” and said they were designed to kill or seriously injure.

Police at the scene on Thursday evening. Credit: UTV

“While the objects are undergoing further examination, what I can say today is we believe a significant munitions find has been uncovered,” Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray said.

He said the items included:

  • Twenty-eight pipe bombs

  • One under-vehicle improvised explosive device

  • Component parts for use in coffee-jar bombs

  • Two improvised grenades

  • Component parts for an improvised grenade launcher

  • An improvised smoke grenade.

“These potentially lethal weapons were designed to kill, or seriously injure, their targets, which include police officers and members of the public," continued Mr Murray.

“History tells us that they would be used recklessly and indiscriminately, with little regard as to who would be the final victim.

“Thankfully, they did not reach their destinations or targets, and have been taken out of circulation."

As investigations continue, police said it is "unclear at this time" how old the munitions could be.

They said it is possible they were dumped into the river by someone who panicked.

Raymond Murray continued: “Our investigation is at an early stage, and we are working to establish how and when these munitions were dumped in the river, and by whom.

"They do have the appearance of having been dumped by someone who panicked, perhaps as a result of police activity, but when that may have happened is not yet clear.

"The devices will now be subject to extensive forensic examination.

“Clearly, those responsible for dumping these extremely dangerous munitions, and in the manner in which they did, demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of the community."

Mr Murray thanked "those who made the discovery yesterday, and for reporting it", and asked anyone with information to make contact.