Charges alleging two Longford men were part of an armed group who ambushed a wedding party and shot two passengers have been withdrawn from a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

A witness has identified three Longford men as having been part of a group of "40 lads" who ambushed his car and shot a family member as they drove to a wedding.

Five people were arrested today by detectives investigating deception and allegations of serious fraud involving victims in Ireland and England.