Dissident republicans are being blamed for holding a Strabane mother and child hostage while her partner was forced to drive across the Border to Castlefin to deliver guns to a waiting gang.
It's since been reported that a second woman - a friend of the family - was also held after calling to the house.
A well-placed republican source told the 'Journal: "I would be 99 per cent certain that the guns are in the hands of a dissident repu
blican grouping." He added that he believed more than five weapons were stolen, including "high powered rifles".
Shortly after 9pm on Tuesday, the 24-year-old gun owner was taken from the house in Castlegrange in Strabane and forced to drive to his home in the neighbouring town of Castlederg to pick up the firearms. He was forced to hand the weapons over in the car park of St Mary's Church in Castlefin, Co Donegal.
A friend of victim's family said the event would "have a very traumatic affect".
"It is something that child will carry for all the rest of her days. When these boys (intruders] forget about it that child will be carrying that scar."
Strabane UUP Councillor Derek Hussey said dissident republicans were the "main suspects".
Strabane priest Fr Patrick O'Hagan condemned the family being "terrorised in their home".
Sinn Fein Councillor and Chair of the local District Policing Partnership, Brian McMahon, added: "These guns were held by people who were using them for sporting activities and this is certainly more sinister. Obviously there is a more sinister reason for taking them."
