BREAKING: Laois Gardaí arrest two men on suspicion of terrorism

Laois Gardai have arrested and detained two men in connection with cross border terrorism. 

It’s understood gardaí based in Laois discovered suspicious items when they stopped a vehicle in the Portlaoise area on Wednesday.  

The men, who are aged in their 30s and 40s, are being detained at Garda stations in Laois and Offaly under  Section 30, Offences Against the State Act 1939. 

It’s understood the Special Detective Unit took over the investigation shortly after the men were arrested. The Leinster Express/Laois Live understands the suspects are being linked to a group with right wing ideals.  

Gardaí said the investigation is now being led by An Garda Síochána Special Detective Unit.

An Garda Síochána are working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this investigation.  During searches carried out in Northern Ireland a number of items, including electronic devices were removed for further examination.

Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service stated:

"An Garda Síochána is committed to identifying, assessing and countering security threats to our 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.” 

The PSNI said officers from the Serious Crime Branch seized a number of items from a property in Annalong, following a planned house search on Wednesday night, November 5.   

The search, which took place in the Kilhorne Green area, was conducted under the Terrorism Act as part of an ongoing cross-border investigation.

Officers initially discovered suspicious objects inside the house, with four suspect devices then located in the garden.

Ammunition Technical Officers (ATOs) subsequently attended the scene and examined the devices.

During the public safety operation that followed, a number of local residents were evacuated from their homes.

The suspected devices and a number of items – including laptops – were removed for further examination.

The residents have since returned to their homes and the security alert has ended.

Detective Chief Inspector McCallum said: "This is an example of successful cross-border working with our colleagues from An Garda Síochána. 

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1764 of 05/11/25.

"You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/."