A loaded firearm has been seized in Dublin's north city centre.

Yesterday evening, community Gardaí on patrol in the area were alerted to two parked, unoccupied vehicles.

Following a search of the vehicles, a loaded firearm and a canister of petrol were recovered.

The vehicles, firearm and ammunition were seized for technical examination.

No arrests have been made in connection with the seizure, which came as part of ongoing investigations into recent organised criminal activity in the area.

In a statement, An Garda Síochana said: "The support of the community continue to be vital in the investigation of crime and An Garda Síochána are very conscious of the need to build on the considerable support we receive from the community."