TWO Kent-based soldiers have been remanded in custody on charges of possessing explosives.

Col Sgt Garry Graham, 36, from Kilmarnock, and Sgt Kieran Campbell, 27, from the Strathclyde area, both members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Howe Baracks, Canterbury, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Both men were remanded in custody and will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, March 3.

They were arrested at Howe Barracks in a joint English and Scottish police operation and charged with possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose.

A female civilian arrested at the same time has been released on bail.

Police are investigating the alleged theft of munitions - later said to have been supplied to people in the Strathclyde area of Scotland.

Officers in Scotland say another four men have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.