Man arrested and gun seized by police investigating dissident republicans in County Louth

The arrest took place in Dundalk which borders Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

A 53-year-old man has been arrested as part of an investigation into dissident republican activity.

The arrest took place in Dundalk, County Louth in the Republic of Ireland last night after police stopped and searched a car. A firearm and a quantity of ammunition were also allegedly discovered by investigating officers from the Gardai.

A follow-up search then took place at a property in County Louth, allegedly resulting in the discovery of another stolen weapon and a stolen car.

The suspect is being held at Dundalk Garda station under the Offences Against The State Act.

Dundalk is a small town close to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

In January of this year, two men were arrested in Dundalk by Irish police investigating dissident Republican activity. A man was detained and a rifle was discovered.

In May, a further twenty searches were carried out in the area, resulting in the arrest of four men suspected of having links to the Real IRA.

With additional reporting by Press Association