TWO MEN HAVE been arrested after gardaí received a call about two men near a church.

At around 9.30pm last night, gardaí were called to the scene of an incident in north Dublin.

It was reported that a number of men wearing balaclavas had been seen acting suspiciously at the rear of a house.

During a follow up search in the grounds of a nearby church, gardaí arrested a man and recovered what is described as a replica firearm along with a balaclava and gloves. A second man was also arrested and a car bearing false registration plates seized by investigating gardaí near to the scene.

The two men, both aged in their 40s, are currently detained under section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939 at Ballymun Garda Station.

A technical examination of the scene is currently under way and investigations are continuing.

Gardaí are searching for a third person in relation to the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to contact Santry Garda Station 666 4400.