Gardaí have seized a firearm and ammunition in Co Westmeath following "a number of incidents" in the Mullingar area in recent weeks.
Officers searched an open area of wasteground in Mullingar as part of pro-active patrols in the town and recovered a concealed shotgun and cartridges.
The firearm and cartridges will now be forwarded to the Garda Ballistics Unit for further analysis.
No arrests have been made in relation to the firearm seizure, gardaí said. Investigations into the seizure and related incidents remain ongoing.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information about the firearm or any other criminal activity or threats in Mullingar to contact them.
Anoyone with information can contact at Mullingar Garda Station 044 938 4000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
