Seven people have been arrested - and a number of firearms and other weapons seized - during a series of planned searches in Westmeath this morning.

The raids took place in the Moate area.

Gardaí arrested five men and two women.

Four people are being questioned at Athlone Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

The other three people are being detained at Tullamore, also under Section 30.