A SOLDIER FIRED a warning shot at Portlaoise prison last night at men who attempted to smuggle in mobile phones.

It is believed that the attempt was foiled by a soldier on duty at the prison, who fired the warning shot, RTE reports.

The gardaí, the prison service and defence forces are all investigating the incident, which took place at around 7pm last night.

The men were seen by a soldier on duty from one of the prison watchtowers and were called to stop. When they failed to obey the warnings, the shot was fired.

A follow-up search uncovered seven phones in package.

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Warning shot fired at Portlaoise Prison

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Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.