Man arrested after incident at polling station

A 59-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm at a polling station in Greencastle.

Police investigating the incident in Greencastle in County Tyrone detained him on suspicion of possession with "intent to cause fear or alarm."

A PSNI statement said: "He has been taken into custody for questioning.

"Further searches as part of the investigation are ongoing."

Voters in West Tyrone have gone to the polls for a Westminster by-election caused by the resignation of former MP Barry McElduff.

Police in Omagh received a report of a man acting suspiciously at a polling station on the Crockanboy Road, Greencastle, just before one on Thursday afternoon.

Chief electoral officer Virginia McVea said: "Earlier today a man approached the poll staff in Greencastle polling station and produced what appeared to be a handgun from his pocket.

"He engaged with staff then left the polling station without any weapon being discharged.

"The way that the staff dealt with it, I understand that other members of the public may have been unaware of the incident."

• polling
• election
• gun