Five old firearms and an air rifle were yesterday seized from a room in Pembroke that had once been illegally occupied by a man now serving time for paedophilia.

The weapons were confiscated when Land Department officials evicted several squatters from government property in Pembroke, former stables built by the British. They also took away horses, boats, white goods and other items.

The weapons, including four muskets and an old revolver besides the air rifle with telescopic sight, were found in a room formerly used by Anthony Pandolfino, 65, serving a 10-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of abusing two young brothers in 2002.

Escorted by prison officers, Mr Pandolfino and members of his family went on site to identify the items. The weapons were handed over to the police.

In the operation, a number of illegally-constructed metal structures were also demolished.