Hatchets and knives seized and three men arrested but no shots fired at Strabane funeral disturbance, police confirm

Three males aged 17, 22 and 32 have now been arrested following the disturbance at the funeral this morning.

District Commander Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “A significant proactive policing operation was in place this morning in the Melmount Road area to prevent disorder and keep people safe.

"A disturbance did break out within the church however it was quickly addressed.

"A number of dangerous weapons were seized and we are thankful to have been able to remove these items from the streets.

"We are aware of tensions between individuals who were in attendance at the funeral and I am appealing to anyone with influence to help bring about a calm resolution to the current issues.”

A number of weapons including Stanley knives and over a dozen hatchets were seized.

Police said claims that shots were fired in the area were not true.

"We are aware of suggestions online that shots had been fired at the church on the Melmount Road however there was a proactive police operation in place at the location and no evidence of shots having been fired were noted," a spokesperson said.