Terror probe spreads to Ballymena and Larne after five arrests in Belfast

Detectives investigating violent dissident republican activity have carried out further searches in Ballymena and Larne following the arrest of five men under the Terrorism Act in west Belfast.

A number of vehicles have also been seized as part of the ongoing investigation being led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit.

The latest searches will heighten attention locally after police confirmed operations had extended beyond Belfast into parts of Mid and East Antrim.

The five men — aged 26, 27, 38, 44 and 51 — were arrested on Thursday evening, May 21, in the Poleglass area of west Belfast.

All five remain in custody at the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station in Belfast.

Searches extend into Ballymena and Larne

Police said further searches have now been carried out in the Belfast area as well as in Ballymena and Larne as detectives continue inquiries linked to suspected violent dissident republican activity.

No further details about the specific locations searched in Ballymena or Larne have been released at this stage.

The PSNI has also not confirmed what items officers may have been searching for, but stated that multiple vehicles were seized during the operation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Security operation likely to attract significant local attention

Counter-terrorism investigations involving searches in towns across Northern Ireland typically involve intelligence-led operations coordinated by specialist detectives.

Violent dissident republican activity continues to be monitored closely by security services and the PSNI, with officers regularly warning that such groups remain capable of carrying out attacks despite reduced operational capability compared to previous decades.