Rail services are starting to return to normal in Dublin following a security alert earlier.

The railway line between Connolly and Pearse stations was closed for a time while gardaí and the Defence Forces investigated reports of a suspicious object under a railway bridge.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the item - however it has been assessed as a hoax.

The scene was declared safe at 4.55pm, while items of 'an evidential nature' have been handed over to gardaí.

There are delays of up to 20 minutes on train services, while Townsend Street has also reopened to traffic.