I saw what might have been gun webbing Neighbour

Three people - from the adjacent family homes in Rainville Road - have been detained at Fulham police station and another four men haven been taken in for questioning.

Police and forensic officers spent several hours examining the unoccupied flat in Hammersmith Grove after the arms were removed.

A neighbour said: "About two weeks ago a Land Rover drew up at the door and two men began carrying heavy cartons into the flat. I saw what might have been gun webbing hanging from one of the boxes."

Two months ago an Irishman - described by locals as "a real gentleman" - lived in the flat but it has been empty since then.

Special Branch detectives are reluctant to give details but they are investigating the possibility the weapons were bound for Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Further police inquiries are being made and publicity of further details would seriously hamper investigations at this stage."

Home Secretary Reginald Maudling has just returned from a fact-finding trip to Northern Ireland and has been told of today's raids.

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