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Police have released pictures of the munitions that were discovered in the River Lagan 

River Lagan pipe bombs, grenades and car bomb 'dumped by someone who panicked'

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Police have released pictures of the munitions that were discovered in the River Lagan 

Police have launched an investigation following a significant munitions find in Belfast's River Lagan.

The discovery includes 28 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 and an improvised smoke grenade.

Police said that shortly before 4.10pm yesterday, they received a report that a sports holdall-type bag containing suspicious items had been found in the water during dredging work.

The Queen Elizabth Bridge and nearby Lagan Weir footbridge were closed as the items were examined.

Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray said: “These potentially lethal weapons were designed to kill, or seriously injure, their targets, which include police officers and members of the public.

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Police have released pictures of the munitions that were discovered in the River Lagan 

“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."

Mr Murray said it is unclear how old the munitions are but they appeared to have been "dumped by someone who panicked, perhaps as a result of police activity."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to call them on 101.

Read More: Dredgers begin removing thousands of tonnes of silt from River Lagan

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