Two arrested after pipe bombs found in vehicle

Gardaí have arrested two men and seized a firearm and pipe bombs after pulling a car over on a motorway.

The men, who are understood to be of eastern European nationality, were intercepted on the M7 in Co Laois on Thursday night.

Arresting gardaí uncovered a firearm from the vehicle as well as suspicious devices thought to be pipe bombs.

The army bomb disposal team were alerted and attended the scene which was cordoned off.

One of those arrested was in his forties while the other was in his teens.

They are being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Portlaoise Garda station.