AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a loaded submachine gun that "fell out" of a Garda car was found by a member of the public in Dublin.
The incident occurred yesterday when a Heckler and Koch MP7 firearm was discovered in Dublin city centre.
According to reports, the gun is believed to have fallen out of an Audi Q7 driven by Garda Emergency Response Unit officers after it went over a ramp and the boot opened.
It is understood the weapon was in an official carrier bag at the time.
The officers in the car saw the incident happen and witnessed a member of the public pick up the bag, but by the time they returned to the scene the person had disappeared.
Thankfully, the passer-by handed the MP7 into Store Street Garda Station 25 minutes later.
Gardaí do not believe the weapon was fired in the interim period and all ammunition has been accounted for.
The force have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.
According to RTÉ News, a senior Garda officer has been appointed to examine all the circumstances surrounding the incident.
They will reportedly look into the mechanics and road worthiness of the Garda car and review security procedures.
Gardaí emphasised that the armed unit concerned is involved in ongoing operations against organised crime in Dublin and is not part of the security detail attached to the royal visit.
