A man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm at a polling station in Northern Ireland.
Police investigating the incident in Greencastle in Co Tyrone detained the 59-year-old on suspicion of possession with “intent to cause fear or alarm”.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said: “He has been taken into custody for questioning. Further searches as part of the investigation are ongoing.”
Voters in West Tyrone have gone to the polls for a Westminster by-election caused by the resignation of former MP Barry McElduff.
Omagh police investigating an incident at a polling station in Greencastle, have arrested a 59 yo man on susp of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or alarm. He has been taken into custody for questioning. Further searches as part of the investigation are ongoing.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 3, 2018
Police in Omagh received a report of a man acting suspiciously at a polling station on the Crockanboy Road, Greencastle, just before 1pm on Thursday.
Chief electoral officer Virginia McVea said: “Earlier today a man approached the poll staff in Greencastle polling station and produced what appeared to be a handgun from his pocket.
“He engaged with staff then left the polling station without any weapon being discharged.
“The way that the staff dealt with it, I understand that other members of the public may have been unaware of the incident.”
