Northern Ireland: Seven Newry Men Charged For 'Serious Terrorist Offences'

Seven men have been charged with "significant and serious terrorist offences" in Northern Ireland.

The men, aged 30, 43, 44, 58, 59, 73 and 75, were arrested at a house in Ardcarne Park in Newry, County Down, on 10 November, and will appear at Newry Magistrates' Court today.

Police investigating "violent dissident republican activity" charged all seven with membership of a proscribed organisation, while six face charges of conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life and preparation for acts of terrorism.

Five of the men are also charged with directing terrorism.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Serious Crime Branch, said: "These charges follow the arrest of 12 men in the Ardcarn Park area of Newry on the evening of Monday 10 November as part of a proactive investigation into violent dissident republican activity in Northern Ireland.

"Earlier this week five of the men were released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

"The arrest and charging of these individuals with what are very serious terrorist offences clearly demonstrates our commitment to investigate all those involved in terrorism."