The next generation?

No, not another Star Trek thread, just a note on the ages of some of those recently arrested and charged with terrorist activity. Along with the 22-year-old civil servant charged at the weekend, today two men aged 22 and 23 have been charged, in relation to the discovery of a live mortar bomb and launching tube near Lurgan, County Armagh, with possessing an improvised explosive device, possession of articles of use to terrorists and with conspiracy to murder.From the PA report

Damien William McKenna, a 23-year-old labourer from Dean`s Walk in Lurgan, and Gary Toman, 22, of Drumnamoe Avenue in Craigavon, whose occupation was not given, gave a thumbs-up sign to around a dozen supporters as they appeared today at Craigavon Magistrates` Court.

A detective sergeant told the court that he believed he could connect both men to the weapons found, which included an explosive substance, a horizontal mortar tube, wire stripers, batteries and a circuit tester. Both men face three charges of conspiracy to murder, possession of explosives with intent to endanger life and possession of articles for use in terrorism.

The PA report ends by noting

There was applause from the men`s supporters as they were led out of the dock.

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