Gardaí in Dublin believe they have foiled a robbery in the north of the city.

A number of men have been arrested after armed officers moved in. A gun has also been recovered.

This afternoon's operation took place outside a shop on Rosemount Avenue in Artane in the North of the City at about a quarter past one this afternoon.

Armed officers from the new Organised Crime Unit and the National Drug Unit moved in and stopped a van on a gang of men who they suspect were about to carry out a robbery.

Seven men - aged between their early 20s and mid 50s - have been arrested and a number of weapons, including a gun, have been seized and taken away for tests.

The Suspects have been taken to Coolock, Ballymun, Raheny and Clontarf Garda Stations.