JERUSALEM — Four Palestinian men were detained on Sunday after Israeli troops at a West Bank checkpoint discovered 12 pipe bombs, a knife and a gun in their possession, an Israeli police spokesman said.

"Four Palestinians were arrested at the Salem checkpoint. They had a commando knife, a pistol and 12 explosives. They were arrested and taken for questioning and the investigation is continuing," spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.

Salem checkpoint is near the northern West Bank city of Jenin.

Israeli media said the men were carrying pipe bombs strapped to their bodies and inside bags. The Ynet news website said the checkpoint was closed after the incident.

There was no immediate information on whether the men belonged to a militant organisation or were planning an attack.