Three terrorist suspects charged

Streets nearby were cordoned off

Three men have been charged with "terrorist-related offences" by police in Scotland.

The men, aged 18, 32 and 35, were arrested in Irvine, Ayrshire on Thursday, under the Terrorism Act 2000.

They are due to appear in court in private on Monday.

A brief statement issued by Strathclyde Police on Saturday night said: "The three men aged 35, 32 and 18, who were arrested on Thursday 31 July 2003 under the Terrorism Act 2000, have now been charged with terrorist related offences and will appear from custody at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday 4 August 2003."

Police refused to make any further comment about the matter.

It is believed the police operation had been investigating possible links with paramilitary loyalist groups in Northern Ireland.

A judicial review was held earlier on Saturday, before the charges were brought, as required by law.

It ruled that officers should be allowed to continue with their investigation for another five days before deciding whether to charge or release the men.