Child porn raids in Irish Republic

Police seized computer equipment in the raids

Computer hard drives suspected of containing pornographic images of children are being examined by police in the Irish Republic.

It follows an operation across the country on Monday when up to 100 homes were raided.

It is understood the people under investigation include a judge, a solicitor, a teacher and a health board official.

It is the biggest ever seizure of child pornography in the Republic.

Files and floppy discs were gathered by the 500 police officers involved in the operation.

These are being examined on Tuesday at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Dublin.

It is understood the suspects were traced through their credit cards.

If there is sufficient evidence, a person can be charged under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act which carries sentences of up to 14 years for making or distributing images.

Detectives said they did not believe an organised paedophile ring was involved.