Man in Belfast charged with possessing explosives and firearms

A man has been charged under the Explosives Act and Firearms Order after police searched properties in Belfast.The 35-year-old was charged with offences including two counts of possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances, and possession of a prohibited weapon (discharge of electricity or noxious gas).He is due to appear before Belfast magistrates court on Monday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said.The charges follow searches at properties in the Shankill Road and Edwina Street areas of north Belfast on Friday and Saturday.DCI McCallum said: “Following these searches a number of suspicious devices, along with other items, were located and seized by officers for forensic examination.“Local residents who were evacuated as a precaution have now been allowed to return home following the public safety operation conducted alongside ammunition technical officers.“All cordons have now been lifted from the area, and we thank local residents for their patience as inquiries were conducted yesterday and into today.”McCallum added: “As we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, we would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist with inquiries to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 261 30/10/26.”