Belfast explosive devices linked to extreme right-wing terrorism, police say
The PSNI says devices found in Belfast searches are linked to extreme right-wing terrorism. A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody until 30 November.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Wednesday 4 November that explosive devices found during searches on Belfast’s Shankill Road and Edwina Street on 30 and 31 October are linked to extreme right-wing terrorism. A 35-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody.
Some residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution during the security operation. The PSNI said suspicious devices and other items seized by officers would undergo forensic examination.
Wesley Thomas Fletcher, of Leopold Street, was arrested on Friday 30 October. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday 2 November. He faces two counts of possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances. The charges relate to an alleged 17 improvised explosive devices and two detonators containing a charge.
The total number of charges against Fletcher is three, including an allegation that he possessed five stun guns without authorisation from the secretary of state. Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit brought the charges.
A detective constable told the court he believed he could connect Fletcher to the charges. Fletcher confirmed that he understood them.
No bail application was made. His defence lawyer informed the court that, on that day, no appropriate address could be proposed for his bail. The judge remanded Fletcher in custody and adjourned the case until 30 November.
