Explosives found at a loyalist bomb-making factory in north Belfast were not used in the recent spate of sectarian attacks against Catholics, it was claimed today.
Progressive Unionist Party Assemblyman Mr Billy Hutchinson, whose party is linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force which was blamed for the haul in a block of flats, said his inquiries revealed the devices were not intended for immediate use.
The North Belfast Assembly-member said: "The explosives that were found were not used in any of the pipe bombings in and around north Belfast or across the province.
"There have been some contradictions in what the police have said and what local people are saying. The UVF are carrying out a full inquiry.
"My understanding is the police have tended to exaggerate how many bombs were ready-made. I can't say if that is true or untrue.
"All I can say is the local UVF are saying something different from what the police have said and the UVF are carrying out an investigation."
Mr Hutchinson told BBC Radio Ulster he had been told the explosives were "moved around north Belfast" during the bitter feud last year between the UVF and the UDA. He condemned the decision to move the explosives to a heavily populated area.
"Unfortunately, somebody in their wisdom decided to put them in that particular place which was very dangerous for those people who lived there."
The haul in Mount Vernon included 11 pipe bombs, home-made explosives and a substantial primed and ready bomb consisting of 45lbs of explosives packed into a fire extinguisher.
Mount Vernon is regarded as UVF territory.
The UDA has been blamed for more than 50 attacks on Catholic homes and people since the new year.
PA