Strabane: Three arrests and 13 hatchets seized after funeral fight Published duration 27 February

image copyright PSNI image caption The weapons seized by police in Strabane

Three men have been arrested in Strabane and a number of weapons seized following a disturbance at a funeral service in the County Tyrone town.

The men, aged 22, 32 and 17, were arrested following the service at a church in Melmount Road on Thursday.

A number of weapons including Stanley knives and hatchets were seized.

Police said there was no evidence shots were fired during the service at St Mary's Church and no reports of any serious injuries.

It is understood the service was attended by members of the travelling community.

PSNI District Commander Ch Supt Emma Bond said "a significant proactive policing operation" had been put in place to maintain public safety.

She added: "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."

Ch Supt Bond said police were aware of tensions between people at the funeral and appealed for calm.

Earlier a PSNI spokeswoman said police were aware of suggestions online that a number of shots were fired.

She said there was no evidence of shots having being fired.