Contraband that locked down Mountjoy now thought to NOT be gun parts

Update 5.30pm:

Contraband found it Mountjoy Prison is now not believed to be gun parts. The prison is still on lockdown after contraband was found in a service area around 12.30pm today.

Initially prison officers and gardai thought the items were parts of a gun. However, this has been ruled out after a forensic examination.

Statement by the Irish Prison Service:

The Irish Prison Service can confirm that a suspicious item was discovered on the C wing of Mountjoy Prison at approximately 12.30pm today.

Following an initial examination by prison staff and the responding Gardaí it was suspected that the item may be part of a firearm containing a number of bullets. As a result appropriate action was taken by the prison Governor and a general search of the prison was commenced.

The item was removed by An Garda Siochána for forensic examination. The Gardaí have subsequently determined that the item is not part of a weapon as was initially suspected.

Earlier:

Mountjoy Prison has been locked down after the discovery of a firearm and ammunition, it is being reported.

The discovery was made in a service area around lunchtime, in an area of the prison where inmates would not usually be, according to the Prison Service.

Inmates have been locked into their cells while a search continues.

It is reported that two gun barrels and six bullets were found.