Dissident republicans are being today blamed for dumping arms and ammunition discovered close to a Catholic girls school in Co Tyrone.
The two handguns and a quantity of bullets were found after police searched wasteland in the Springdale area of Dungannon.
They were found a few feet from St Patrick's Girls Secondary School.
A security source said they believed the find was linked to dissident republican terrorists.
They were found after police received reports of suspicious activity in the area. The items have been taken away for forensic examination.
Supt Ken Henning, district commander of Dungannon and South Tyrone, described the find as significant.
"I am delighted that the weapons and ammunition have been taken out of circulation," he said.
"These weapons were located 20 feet away from St Patrick's Girl's Secondary School and are now in much safer hands," he added.
PA