Gardai are continuing to question seven males following a major operating targetting criminal gangs believed responsible for a number of crimes committed across the South East.

10 homes in Carlow and Laois were searched this morning as part of the operation.

A firearm and a small number of cannibis plants were also recovered.

Gardai say the operation was part of an investigation into more than 70 crimes committed over the past year.

These included aggravated burglary, armed robbery and ATM robberies.

The seven, aged in their teens, twenties and thirties, are being detained at a number of Garda stations in the South East.