TWO MEN HAVE been arrested in the midlands by gardaí probing cross-border terrorism.

They were brought into custody after gardaí stopped a vehicle in Co Laois and seized a number of items yesterday.

The men – aged in their 40s and 30s – are currently detained under Section 30, Offences Against the State Act 1939 in Garda Stations in the midlands.

The investigation is being led by An Garda Síochána Special Detective Unit, a Garda spokesperson said.

Gardaí are “working closely” with the PSNI on the investigation, with searches also carried out in the North.

A number of items, including electronic devices, were removed for further examination.

Speaking today Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service said gardaí are committed to “identifying, assessing and countering security threats” to communities.

“This ongoing operation demonstrates the close working relationships An Garda Síochána has with our colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland to investigate and interdict threats across the island of Ireland, keeping people safe,” McElgunn said.

With reporting by Niall O’Connor