Question
To ask the Chief Constable to explain the confusion around the gun and ammunition found in a house outside the Moy on Easter Monday?
Answer
On Monday 5 April 2021 a man called at Armagh Police Station. He reported that he had bought a house and was carrying out renovations on the property when he discovered a plastic bag within an outhouse. Upon checking the bag he found a revolver and a quantity of ammunition. He had no knowledge of the firearm or ammunition and wished to surrender these to Police.
An officer in Armagh police station took possession of the firearm and ammunition. This was secured in the police armoury and recorded as being surrendered. Sometime later the matter was revisited by supervising officers and, as a result, a scene was established where the original items had been found and a search was conducted. Nothing further was found. The firearm has been submitted for ballistic examination which is still ongoing.
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is now carrying out an investigation into this matter and as such I am unable to say anything further at this time.
Dolores Kelly - SDLP