Gardaí have uncovered a loaded gun with a fitted silencer and seven bullets in a wooded area in north west Dublin.

The search was carried out as part of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime in the area.

While searching in a wooded area off Waterville Road in Blanchardstown, investigators found a Makarov handgun with a fitted silencer along with seven bullets.

The weapon has been sent for ballistic and forensic examination.

Garda searches are continuing in the area and enquiries are ongoing.