Two held after pipe bombs seized

Gardaí are investigating the discovery of eight viable pipe-bombs at a house in Co Longford last night.

Eight pipe bombs were seized and two men arrested during a raid on a house in the midlands, gardaí confirmed today.

The devices were discovered during a planned search of a property in Lanesboro Road in the townland of Knockonboy, about three miles outside Longford town.

Investigators were probing if the pipe bombs – which were viable and ready to be planted – were destined for feuding criminal gangs.

The defence forces said a bomb disposal team was on the scene shortly after 9.30pm last night and declared it safe within an hour.

The bombs were taken to the Custume Military Barracks in Athlone for examination.

“The eight viable devices were made safe on scene without the need for a controlled explosion and have been removed for further examination,” said an army spokesman.

“The devices will then be handed over to the Garda Forensic Team for their investigation.”

Gardaí said the two men can be held for up to 72 hours at Longford garda station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

A garda spokesman said the men being quizzed in connection with the raid, which took place at 7.30pm, are aged 18 and 44.

“One was arrested at the scene and another a short time later,” he added.