The police have stepped up their measures to counter a fresh threat of terrorist attacks by dissident republicans.

PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde revealed a number of arrests by his officers at a meeting of the N I Policing Board in Belfast.

The watchdog body was also told arms and ammunition were seized during the arrests in Belfast and Newry, Co Down in recent days.

Sir Hugh also told the Board that the threat was "very real and very serious."

He said: "We are working very hard to disrupt it, our colleagues south of the border are working equally hard and I am confident that with public support we can beat this but we need to be aware and vigilant at all times."

The police service put Northern Ireland on terror alert on Tuesday night and yesterday.

The first roadblocks and police checkpoints in a considerable time appeared on some Northern Ireland roads.

Sir Hugh added: "There have been arrests this morning and this will continue, we are determined to disrupt this small group."

The Real IRA claims it is out to cause enough trouble to get British troops back on the streets of Northern Ireland.

But the chief constable poured scorn on the idea: "I can assure you there is no prospect of me currently deploying the military."

(BMcC)