Police release Celtic player Athony Stokes parents

THE parents and an uncle of Celtic star Anthony Stokes have been released from police custody without charge after they were arrested in Ireland.

The three were detained by detectives on Friday after ammunition was uncovered at the couple's pub in Dublin. Gardai confirmed yesterday that Paul Byrne, 46, who is an uncle of the footballer, has also been released without charge.

Police said a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The arrests followed raids in the Irish capital linked to an inquiry into a long-running turf war between the so-called Real IRA and drugs gangs.

John Stokes, 54, was last month ordered to remove a 40ft banner barring the Queen from his Players Lounge in Fairview, north Dublin, during her forthcoming state visit.

It is understood he was arrested after a team of Garda officers - including the elite special detective unit - smashed their way in through a side door at about 10am on Friday.