Police in Northern Ireland have recovered "a significant amount of terrorist material" during searches near Larne in County Antrim.

The material was discovered at 12 separate locations during a joint and ongoing operation involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Metropolitan Police.

Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr, Head of the PSNI's Crime Operations Department, said: "I am aware of the disruption this has caused to local residents and am extremely grateful for their co-operation and understanding.

"However, I am sure the people living in Larne will understand we will take no chances where their safety is concerned and, as a result of the significant terrorist material recovered, I am confident that the area, and Northern Ireland in general, is safer."

Gordon Lyons MLA, from the Democratic Unionist Party, praised police for the discovery and said the materials found "would have caused a catastrophic loss of life".


Image: Police at Carnfunnock Country Park earlier this year

Earlier this year, police made similar finds at two other locations near Larne: Carnfunnock Country Park and Capanagh Forest.

Ciaran Maxwell, a Royal Marine, appeared in court earlier this week charged with a number of offences linked to those earlier discoveries.

The 30-year-old, who is originally from Larne, denies the charges.