A 22 year-old man has been arrested in Belfast after police recovered a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition during a search of properties in the north and south of the city yesterday (17 June).

The searches were carried out by detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force and the Tactical Support Group as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected criminality linked to the West Belfast UDA. The firearm and ammunition, as well as fireworks, were found at a residential property in the Joanmount Gardens area of the city while further items were seized at a house in the Dromara Street area, where the man was arrested.

Detective Inspector Maguire said: "He (the man) remains in custody at this time, on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances and possession of ammunition in suspicious circumstances. 

"Our enquiries are continuing. These searches demonstrate our commitment to addressing the misery caused by paramilitary criminality within our communities.

"We would like to thank the public for their continued support and will continue to act on the information you provide us."