A leading officer said it would "put back" the activities of the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association.

Officers recovered ammunition, explosive devices and weapons in the Rathcoole area of Newtownabbey.

The haul included both long and short arms and a number of pipe bombs.

It is another sign that as long as paramilitaries remain active and a threat to the people of Northern Ireland as well as to this process, they will be pursued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland

John Reid Secretary of state

A 38-year-old man has been arrested and is assisting police with their inquiries.

The security operation is still on-going.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan said there was so much in the cache that officers had not been able to count it and were weighing the seizure.

"This was an extremely significant find. We don't normally find this quantity of weapons together for loyalist groups - we are absolutely delighted to have recovered this today," he said.

He said five sub-machineguns had been taken away for examination.

Pay tribute

The officer said a keyhole-type bomb, which is designed to go off when somebody opens a door, was also recovered.

"I hope this will push them back but I have no doubt they will try to re-arm. We will be doing everything we can to stop them, arrest them and deal with anything else that they might bring in," he said.

Secretary of State John Reid welcomed the seizure, adding: "Can I just pay tribute to the PSNI for the major arms find in Newtownabbey this afternoon.

"It is another sign that as long as paramilitaries remain active and a threat to the people of Northern Ireland as well as to this process, they will be pursued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland."