A MAN HAS been arrested after producing what appeared to be an imitation firearm and a suspect device at the Family Courts in Dublin this morning.

Gardaí remain at the scene in Smithfield and the building remained closed as on 4pm this afternoon when a search was ongoing.

The courts building was evacuated and the area surrounding it cordoned off. Luas services were disrupted as a result.

The is currently detained at Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin and a garda investigation is ongoing.

Gardaí responded to the incident at about 11.30am this morning after reports that a man with a gun was in the court building and was reported to be holding a judge hostage.

The area was immediately declared a crime scene and taped off while gardaí approached and entered the building. They subsequently disarmed and arrested the man in question.

All staff, judges and members of the public left the building safely during the evacuation.

Circuit Court President Mr Raymond Groarke in a statement following the release of the judge:

This is a dreadful experience by someone attending to her work conscientiously and carefully as she does every day. The judges of the court are grateful and delighted that Judge (Susan) Ryan has been safely extricated by gardaí.

Roads still closed in every direction. Luas still at a standstill in both directions pic.twitter.com/5EyjWyNIcP — Sean Murray (@SeanMJourno) December 20, 2018 Source: Sean Murray /Twitter

Hostage

Mr Justice Groarke said that he was hearing a case just minutes before noon when he was informed a judge in the family law courts was being held hostage by a suspected gunman, a court reporter said.

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It is understood that the man had a case before the courts today.

The Family Court deals with sensitive and personal matters, including (but not limited to) divorce, custody, child maintenance, domestic violence and children in state care.

With reporting by Ray Managh, Sean Murray, Garreth MacNamee, Aoife Barry, and Nicky Ryan.