ANTI-TERRORIST detectives investigating dissident republican activity have charged seven men with terrorism offences.

The men were arrested at a house in Ardcarne Park in Newry, County Down, last Sunday night, November 10 following a covert surveillance operation.

Police believe they have foiled a Christmas letter bomb plot by the Continuity IRA.

The men, aged 30, 43, 44, 58, 59, 73 and 75, will appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court later this morning, Monday, November 17, for a first remand hearing.

Five of the men, aged 43, 44, 59, 73 and 75, have been charged with directing terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation.

One of them is leading dissident republican Patrick Joseph ‘Mooch’ Blair, a suspect in the Omagh bombing.

The men are also charged with conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life and preparation for acts of terrorism.

A 30-year-old man has been charged with membership of a proscribed organisation, conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life and preparation for acts of terrorism.

A 58-year-old has been charged with membership of a proscribed organisation.

Five other men arrested during the police operation were released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

It is believed the operation was linked to an investigation into the Continuity IRA.

Det Sup Kevin Geddes, from the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit (TIU), said: “The arrest and charging of these individuals with what are very serious terrorist offences clearly demonstrates our commitment to investigate all those involved in terrorism.

“The public should be reassured that we will take every opportunity to bring before the courts any individual who involves themselves in terrorist activity.”