A grenade which was found by workers carrying out repair works on a bridge in Limerick city has been made safe by an Army Bomb Disposal Unit.

The Mills 36 hand grenade was discovered by workers at Thomond Bridge.

It was found in the water near one of the bridge's archways at around 1pm.

The bridge has been cordoned off by gardaí and an Army Bomb Disposal Unit from Cork arrived at the scene at 3.30pm.

The grenade was removed to a safe location and disposed of.

The scene was declared safe at 8pm.

Thomond bridge is located beside King John's Castle, the scene of the famous siege of Limerick in 1691.

Munitions from that time as well as artefacts from the Civil War are often found in the River Shannon.

Many are on display at the Limerick City Museum.

Members of the public who discover historic munitions are advised to maintain a safe distance and contact gardaí.