Man charged with explosives offences in Belfast

A man has been charged under the Explosives Act and Firearms Order following searches at 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).

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement: "Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Terrorism Investigation Unit have charged a man to court in connection with offences under the Explosives Act and Firearms Order.

"The charges follow searches at properties in both the Shankill Road and Edwina Street areas of north Belfast on Friday, 30th and Saturday, 31st October."

Detective Chief Inspector 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 (ATO)."

More from Sky News:
Is this housing scheme doing more harm than good?
'House of horrors': Inside California's surrogacy scandal

He added: "This evening, Saturday 31st October, we have charged a 35-year-old man to court with offences including two counts of possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances, and possession of a prohibited weapon (discharge of electricity or noxious gas)."

The man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday 2 November.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man charged with explosives offences in Belfast