Soldiers in court over explosives

The soldiers are serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Three soldiers from Scotland have appeared in court on charges which include the illegal possession of explosives or firearms.

Colour Sergeant Garry Graham, 36, from Kilmarnock, and Kieran Campbell, 27, from Strathclyde, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court.

They were both charged with possession of explosives for unlawful purpose.

Lance Corporal Martin Fitzsimmons, 27 and another man, Christopher Logan, 20, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

They were both arrested in the Strathclyde area and were charged under the Firearms Act for offences which included not having a firearms certificate, not having a firearms certificate for ammunition and being in possesion of a firearm.

Both made no plea or declaration and were remanded in custody.

The three soldiers serve with the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), currently based in Canterbury.

Strathclyde Police said the arrests were part of a joint operation with Kent Police.

The Ministry of Defence said it was co-operating fully with the Kent force.

The arrests were the result of an investigation into an alleged plot to steal munitions in England which were then supplied to people in the Strathclyde area.

A female civilian who was arrested at Howe Barracks has been freed on bail.

The arrests come as the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) prepares to deploy to Afghanistan.