Northern Ireland: Tensions rise as police find rocket launcher

A rocket launcher and warhead were discovered by police investigating possible action from dissident republicans in west Belfast as tensions escalated ahead of marching season.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the weapons had been discovered as part of an investigation into republican terrorism at a house in Hawthorn Street on Monday night. "The recovery of these items has saved lives," said a PSNI spokesman.

Nearby homes were evacuated during the operation, but residents were then allowed to return.