Further arrests made in cross-border op into alleged plot by IDA to attack mosque

GARDAI have arrested a fourth suspect as part of a cross-border investigation into an alleged far-right plot to attack a mosque, it has emerged.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE

The force confirmed yesterday that members of the anti-terror Special Detective Unit probing the alleged plot to attack the mosque in Galway detained a man in Limerick on Tuesday.

The man, who is in his 30s, was later released without charge - but gardai said a file would now be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The arrest centred on an alleged plot uncovered by gardai in Portlaoise, Co Laois, last month.

It is alleged a group calling itself the Irish Defence Army (IDA) was planning to mount an attack on the mosque.

Meanwhile in the North, a man charged with terror offences linked to the investigation into the mosque attack plan has been denied bail.

Connor Pollock, 38, from Croob Park in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry for a bail hearing at the Downpatrick Magistrates Court yesterday.

Pollock is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act.