Gardaí attended the scene of an incident involving Fine Gael and Sinn Féin election candidates in Ballymahon, Co Longford this evening.

Pictures have emerged of Fine Gael's James Bannon in a Garda car. However, gardaí are insisting that he was not arrested and no other arrests have been made.

It is understood that Mr Bannon, who is seeking re-election in Longford-Westmeath, and Athlone Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Hogan and their supporters were canvassing the Creevaghbeg Estate in the town around 4.00pm today when tensions arose.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident which is believed to involve accusations over the alleged theft or removal of election leaflets.

Cllr Hogan has accused a canvasser for Mr Bannon of having "pockets bolging with Sinn Féin literature".

Mr Bannon told the Longford Leader the incident was a 'simple misunderstanding' after a canvasser read and immediately replaced a leaflet.

In a statement to Shannonside FM News, gardaí have said they are "investigating to establish if any offences were committed in relation to an incident today in Creevaghbeg Estate in Ballymahon".

The investigation is ongoing.