Investigations are underway after a five-year-old boy found a loaded gun in west Dublin yesterday evening.

The discovery was made close to where a man was shot last week.

The young boy found the gun while out playing with his friends in the Castlecurragh Park Estate in Mulhuddart yesterday evening.

An adult who was nearby raised the alarm.

It is understood the gun was thrown out of the window of a car that was being pursued by Gardaí.

‘Children at play’ - A loaded gun was found by a 5 year old boy here at Castlecurragh Park in Mulhuddart yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/KGmZqxIpaQ

— Kim Buckley (@KiiimBuckley) July 5, 2019

Locals in the area said they are shocked by what happened.

One resident said: "It is happening too often. They are burning out cars in the field up beside us. It is ridiculous. It is the innocent kids that are going to be hurt."

The weapon was found close to where a 41-year-old man was injured in a shooting last Saturday

Local Councillor Breda Hanaphy says yesterday's events could have resulted in tragedy.

"He is very lucky to be alive," she said. "Can you imagine. What is a child's first instinct? He will pick up a gun or anything and say, 'oh does this work?"

"We hear it in America, how many children have died from guns in the home. He is very lucky to be alive. A gun, ready loaded; ready to go."

Gardaí say investigations are continuing and they are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Reporting from Kim Buckley in Mulhuddart