Two arrested in anti-terrorism operation

The police have scored a major success in the fight against terrorism following an operation near the Newry-Louth border.

In a planned operation, two suspected dissident republican terrorists were arrested and two under-car booby-trap bombs were recovered from a car.

Police stopped a car on the Omeath Road, outside Newry, carrying two men at around 9.30pm last night. Both the men, aged 35 and 36, were arrested and, in a follow-up search, two booby-trap devices were found in a second vehicle parked nearby.

It is not yet clear where the bombs were destined to be used, but police say lives have undoubtedly been saved.

Chief Constable Hugh Orde said: "Do not underestimate the resources I have put into these tasks and we will continue to put into these tasks. We are convinced that by arresting and locking up dissident republicans we will prevent people dying in Northern Ireland, that is our primary responsibility."

Newry and Armagh UUP assembly member, Danny Kennedy, praised what he described as a "significant security operation".

He added: "The Chief Constable must be given full resources to continue counteracting the threat from terrorism which is still very real.

"Those people who are intent on causing death and destruction should realise that they are in a minority. The efforts of the PSNI must be fully supported by everyone if we are to achieve normality in our society."

(GMcG)