Man in court charged with storing explosives, detonators and stun guns

A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with storing explosives and detonators in west Belfast.

Wesley Thomas Fletcher is also accused of having a consignment of Taser stun guns.

Police seized the devices during searches at properties on the Shankill Road and Edwina Street over the weekend.

A number of residents had to be evacuated from their homes as a precaution while the security operation was carried out.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Terrorism Investigation Unit charged Fletcher with three offences linked to the seizures.

Fletcher, with an address on Leopold Street in the city, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court to face two counts of possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances.

He allegedly had a total of 17 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two detonators containing a charge.

Fletcher is further charged with possessing five stun guns without the authority of the secretary of state.

Entering the dock in handcuffs and wearing a grey tracksuit, Fletcher confirmed that he understood the allegations against him.

A police detective said he could connect him to the charges but provided no further details about the investigation.

Defence barrister Peter Sands did not seek bail for his client during the brief hearing.

"There is no suitable address to offer," he told the court.

Remanding Fletcher in custody, the judge adjourned the case until 30 November.