Derry man in court over Maureen Avenue bombs find

A 30-year-old man has been appeared in court over the discovery of a number of bombs in a flat in Londonderry.

The devices were found in a vacant first story flat at Maureen Avenue, close to the city centre, on Monday.

Among the charges faced by Anthony Thomas Friel, from Gartan Square in the city, is possession of three improvised explosive devices.

He was remanded in custody to appear for a video link hearing in Londonderry Magistrates Court on 7 June.

Mr Friel is also charged with having timer power units, four 6-volt batteries and one 12-volt battery with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property and possessing articles, connected with the commission, preparation, or instigation of terrorism.

These include sealed worksuits, a plastic box with holes, a heat gun, drill-bits, assorted tools and duct tape.

There was extra police security outside the Bishop Street court house for the brief remand hearing during which the defendant spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth.

A PSNI detective constable told District Judge Barney McElholm he believed he could connect the defendant to the two charges.

Defence solicitor Kevin Casey said he would be making a bail application for his client in due course.

Mr Casey said there were outstanding matters in the case which he wished to discuss with the Public Prosecution Service and the investigating police officer.