Gardaí are continuing to question eight people in connection with organised criminal activity in the south-east. They were arrested yesterday during planned searches of dozens of properties.

These arrests are as a result of Operation Munster - set up to target organised criminals suspected of carrying out burglaries in the region.

Gardai, backed up by armed members of the Regional Support unit and Customs officers, raided 42 houses and flats across counties Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford.

They seized property including jewellery and electronic equipment. As part of the lead up to the operation a number of the gang members have had their bank accounts frozen.

In recent weeks, gardai have also recovered eight legally held shotguns that were stolen in the Clonmel area. 12 people were arrested in total yesterday.

A man and a woman were subsequently released without charge, while two men were arrested on warrant and have been transferred to prison.

This morning six men and two women remain in garda custody. They can be held for another 6 days before they have to be released or charged.