Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Police at the scene of the arrests on Monday night

Police investigating "violent dissident republican activity" have arrested 12 men in Newry, County Down.

It is understood they are being questioned as part of an investigation into the Continuity IRA.

The men, aged between 36 and 75, were arrested at a house in Ardcarne Park in the city on Monday evening.

A number of searches have been carried out by police on both sides of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

It is understood that this was a major operation led by heavily armed members of the PSNI's special operations unit.

Eleven men were arrested inside the house and the 12th was in a car parked outside.

The men have been taken to Antrim PSNI station for questioning.

They can be questioned for 48 hours before police have to apply for more time.

Det Supt Kevin Geddes said: "Police are determined to investigate those individuals suspected of involvement in serious crime."

He added: "This investigation is an example of our commitment to keep everyone in the community safe."