Two remanded on arms charges

The men appeared at Laganside Magistrate's Court in Belfast

Two men from north Belfast have been remanded in custody on guns and explosives charges.

The pair, from the New Lodge area of the city, appeared at Laganside Magistrate's Court on Saturday.

The men were arrested after a security alert on the Antrim Road last Wednesday night.

Patrick Hutchinson, 47, and Martin Evans, 38, both from Hillman Street in Belfast are accused of having an AKM rifle, 9mm pistol, ammunition and four detonators with intent to endanger life.

The court was told that when charged Patrick Hutchinson, an unemployed labourer, replied "Not guilty" and Martin Evans, an insulation remover, replied "No".

A detective sergeant told the court she believed she could connect the two men to the charges.

They were remanded in custody, to appear in court by video-link on 20 February.