A man has been charged with directing dissident republican terrorism in Northern Ireland.

The suspect, 47, was also accused of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause an explosion, preparation of terrorist acts and collecting information of use to terrorism.

Two other men, aged 41 and 42, face similar charges but are not accused of directing terrorism.

The suspects were arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, last Monday morning.

They are due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

A PSNI statement said: "The charges, some of which have been used seldom in the past in Northern Ireland, are the result of an investigation led by police into dissident republican terrorist activity.

"Officers have worked closely with colleagues in the security service and, latterly, with the Public Prosecution Service to reach a point where charges have been brought.

"The PSNI remains absolutely committed to using every mechanism available through the criminal justice system to reduce the threat posed by terrorist networks and to keep everyone in our community safe."

Police inquiries are continuing.

Three men and a woman arrested in Carrickmore, Toome, Omagh and aPomeroy last Saturday as part of the same investigation remain in custody.