Machete and hatchets among weapons seized after fights break out at funeral
A machete and hatchets were among several weapons seized after police made arrests following fights at a funeral in Northern Ireland.
Scuffles broke out at a church service in Strabane, Co Tyrone, on Thursday morning, prompting a police operation.
Three males, aged 17, 22 and 32 were detained by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which released pictures of the weapons seized by officers.
Two billhooks, a number of Stanley knives and more than a dozen hatchets were among the haul.
No serious injuries were reported from the incident.
District commander chief superintendent Emma Bond said: “A significant proactive policing operation was in place this morning in the Melmount Road area 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.
“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.”
The PSNI said it was aware of online reports that shots had been fired but said it had found no evidence of them taking place.
