DETECTIVES have arrested a number of Irish Republican terror suspects in Scotland.

Police Scotland said that a "number of individuals" had been detained under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The suspects have been accused of "comm-itting various offences" and were arrested yesterday at "several locations". Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson said those who had been detained were "indiv-iduals sympathetic to dissident Republicanism".

However, they are not affiliated to any specific group.

The police operation involved the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Security Service.

It is understood that the individuals are being held at the Scottish Terrorist Detention Centre at Helen Street in Govan, Glasgow.

Yesterday armed officers stood on guard outside the entrance to the centre which police said had been "activated" following the arrests.

Police Scotland said it was unable to provide further details on the individuals, including how many were arrested and in which areas of the country they were detained.

Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows a police officer to arrest any person they "reasonably suspect" to be a terrorist.

Assistant Chief Constable Nicolson, added: "Police Scotland has led the operation which has involved a number of officers, including specialist units, and public safety has been a priority throughout.

"We are confident as a result of these arrests there is no risk to the public.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk