The Garda Ombudsman has launched an inquiry, after an officer's loaded machine gun was found on a city centre street.
It was handed in by a member of the public yesterday evening, in what the Policing Authority has called "a very serious" issue.
The gun was handed in to Store Street Garda Station by a member of the public. Detectives are looking into whether the firearm fell from an ERU vehicle.
Archive photo of a German soldier shows the model of submachine gun found
GSOC says it's conducting a 'public interest inquiry' following reports that the weapon was found by a member of the public after it fell out of a Garda vehicle.
The commission says it only became aware of the incident through media reports, and hasn't received notification from Gardai themselves.
GSOC says the incident suggests an apparent lack of security, and an inquiry's needed to ensure public confidence.
It's now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Meanwhile, the Policing Authority says the incident is "a very serious issue" and has raised concerns with the Garda Commissioner.
The Authority's also asked Garda management for a comprehensive briefing on the force's operating procedures for carrying firearms.
