An Irish man is due in court in the UK, charged in relation to an investigation into the supply of firearms.

51-year-old Thomas Kavanagh has been charged after he was arrested on Saturday as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

He was detained as he arrived at Birmingham Airport, and arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition - as well as money laundering.

Officers from Britain's NCA were supported by colleagues from An Garda Síochána and Staffordshire Police.

They conducted a number of searches and recovered a combination torch and stun gun, which is illegal to own and possess in the UK.

Kavanagh, with an address in Tamworth, was remanded in custody and will appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates court later on Monday.

A 20-year old man, who was arrested alongside Kavanagh at Birmingham Airport, has been released under investigation.

While a third man, aged 19, was also arrested but has been released under investigation.

Speaking on Saturday, Garda Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll of Special Crime Operations said: "For the purpose of tackling organised crime groups An Garda Siochána has commenced the new year in the manner in which it intends to proceed in 2019, by engaging in the most impactful possible co-operation with law enforcement authorities, at an international level.

"In this regard the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) is one of our most important allies, with whom we share a common desire to put organised crime groups who operate within the common travel area out of business."