Two serving soldiers arrested after discovery of pipe bomb

Armed gardaí have arrested two Defence Forces personnel in connection with dissident terrorist activity and the discovery of a pipe bomb in Co Donegal.

The serving soldiers were arrested in Donegal yesterday. The move by came less than 24 hours after a viable pipe bomb was discovered at premises in Burnfoot, close to the Border.

Officers sealed off an area next to a petrol station following a tip-off.

The soldiers are being questioned about the incident. They are also being questioned about alleged links to a dissident republican group in Derry.

Assisting investigations
It is understood the Defence Forces have been assisting gardaí with their investigations in recent weeks, amid allegations the two men have dissident contacts across the Border.

The pipe bomb investigation is linked to the discovery of a similar device at Letterkenny Garda Station last year.

Forensic experts are examining the device found yesterday for similarities to that bomb.