ARMED police have arrested a Royal Marine reservist alleged to have been found with “highly dangerous” weapons including grenades and an assault rifle. The arrest of Martin Shannon, 43, of Hythe1 was carried out by members of the National Crime Agency (NCA). Shannon was detained at Winnall, Winchester2, last Thursday in a covert operation which police say was not terrorism-related.
He appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court the next day and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on September 30. Shannon is accused of possessing a sawn-off shotgun and seven high explosive grenades. He is also facing charges relating to the sale or transfer of two prohibited weapons – a pistol and an assault rifle and the purchase or acquisition of 1,400 rounds of ammunition without a certificate.
Shannon was arrested by members of the NCA’s armed operations unit, supported by officers from Hampshire Police, Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence. Rob Lewin, head of specialist operations at the agency, added: “Working with our colleagues we have arrested an individual who we believe posed a significant risk to the public.
The weapons seized are extremely dangerous and we will continue to work with our partners as our investigation continues. At this time, there is no link to terrorism.”
They also say there is no connection with the case of a serving Royal Marine from Northern Ireland who has been charged with offences related to dissident republicanism, including bomb-making and storing weapons.
Ciar n Maxwell, 30, was detained in Somerset after the security forces carried out searches in Larne and Devon. His arrest is understood to be connected to two arms dumps found in County Antrim this year. Maxwell was remanded in custody after a three-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
References
- ^ Hythe (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Winchester (www.dailyecho.co.uk)