The two men at the airport earlier this morning Source: Afri: Action From Ireland

TWO PEACE ACTIVISTS have been arrested at Shannon Airport after making their way onto the runway.

The incident happened at 6am this morning, and the two men were arrested by gardaí airside at the airport (the part of the airport beyond customs and passport checks).

It is understood the men, aged 56 and 74, painted a red cross onto the runway at the airport and were attempting to inspect an aircraft that had been kept there overnight.

A picture of the Learjet C-21 was earlier shared on Facebook by anti-war group Shannon Watch, and is believed by them to be in use by the US military.

Source: Afri: Action From Ireland

The two men are currently being detained at Shannon Garda Station.

They are being held under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

This is the latest incident at the airport, which has seen a number of high-profile protests against its use by US Military.

Back in January 2014, then 79-year-old Margaretta D’Arcy was jailed for three months for trespassing on the runway at the airport.

TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace were both arrested July 2014 for breaches of security at the airport.

Read: Woman arrested after flight makes emergency landing at Shannon

Also: Man arrested at Shannon airport after incident onboard plane