The Guardian reported Nov. 4 that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) linked its north Belfast investigation of seized devices to extreme right-wing terrorism, a connection absent from the force’s public updates.
The force told The Guardian: “The investigation is linked to extreme rightwing terrorism. There is nothing further at this time.” PSNI updates on Oct. 30 and 31 described searches in the Shankill Road and Edwina Street areas and the seizure of suspicious devices and other items for forensic examination. Residents evacuated during the operation were later allowed home after police lifted cordons.
PSNI said a 35-year-old man faced two counts of possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances and a prohibited-weapon charge described as “discharge of electricity or noxious gas.” Court reports identified him as Wesley Thomas Fletcher, 35, of Leopold Street.
The Irish News and UTV reported that the court heard Fletcher allegedly possessed 17 improvised explosive devices and two detonators; he was also charged with possessing five Tasers without the authority of the Secretary of State. Fletcher was remanded in custody after his Nov. 2 appearance. His case is due back in court Nov. 30.
