Gardaí are investigating a suspected arson attack on a branch of KBC Bank in Co Dublin in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí and fire services were alerted to the fire in the KBC Bank at Main Street in Swords at around 5am.

The front window had been smashed and the fire caused extensive damage to the ground floor of the building.

It appears that a rock was used to break a window and an accelerant used to start the fire.

This is the second arson attack on a KBC Bank in 48 hours.

Gardaí have appealed for information on the incident.

Fire damage visible at KBC bank on Main Street in Swords, Co Dublin following arson attack early this morning ⁦@rtenews⁩ pic.twitter.com/9fapqxc9nb — Colman O'Sullivan (@colmanos) December 22, 2018

In a statement, a KBC Bank spokesperson said they were aware of the incidents and are "taking additional measures to ensure the safety of our people and the hubs that our local customers rely upon."

The spokesperson added: "As these incidents are the subject of a criminal investigation by An Garda Síochána we are not in a position to provide further comment at this time."

This afternoon, a number of protesters have occupied the lobby of the head office of KBC Bank in Dublin.