Two men accused of a foiled dissident republican bomb plot in Northern Ireland were tonight remanded in custody.
Unemployed Mr Mark Carroll (36) and Mr Martin Brogan, a 35-year-old labourer, are charged with possessing explosives and other terrorist-related equipment including gloves, balaclavas and radio transmitters.
Mr Brogan was also accused of membership of the "Real IRA" dissident republican the republican splinter organisation.
They were arrested during a major security operation which intercepted two undercar booby-trap devices in Newry, County Down, last Tuesday close to the Border.
Both Mr Carroll of Shannagh Drive, Annalong, and Mr Brogan from Commedagh Park in Castlewellan, deny all the charges against them.
As they appeared before a magistrates court in Banbridge, Co Down, today Detective Insp Keith Agnew said he believed he could connect the men to the offences.
The bombs were seized when police and army searched a car on the Omeath Road just outside Newry.
Mr Agnew told the court forensic tests have so far proved inconclusive. Quizzed by a defence lawyer, he added that the evidence linking Mr Brogan to the "Real IRA" was based on a statement given by a senior police officer.
Both men were granted permission to see their families before being put in custody.
They are due to appear again at Newry Court via video link on October 16th. Their lawyer confirmed they would be making a high court bail application.
PA