Police in Northern Ireland have arrested three people and seized knives, axes and other bladed weapons after a disturbance broke out at a funeral.

Officers intervened during the service at St Mary’s church in Strabane, County Tyrone. Video footage shared on social media showed people near the altar scrambling in response to a disruption.

Three men, aged 17, 22 and 32, were arrested and police later displayed dozens of confiscated weapons, including Stanley knives and axes.

The district commander, Ch Supt Emma Bond, said police had mounted a “significant proactive operation” at the church to prevent disorder and keep people safe.

“A disturbance did break out within the church, however, it was quickly addressed. A number of dangerous weapons were seized and we are thankful to have been able to remove these items from the streets,” she said.

“We are aware of tensions between individuals who were in attendance at the funeral and I am appealing to anyone with influence to help bring about a calm resolution to the current issues.” Bond discounted rumours that shots had been fired.

A parish official said the funeral was for a member of the Travelling community and that the burial had gone ahead as scheduled.