Irish police have launched an investigation after human remains were found in a plastic bag in north Dublin.

The “grisly” discovery was reportedly made by a group of youths on a housing estate in the suburban area of Coolock on Monday night, which was sealed off after police arrived.

According to local newspaper Irish Times, Irish police, also known as Gardai, said the "human limbs were found in a bag outside houses at the junction of Moatview Gardens and Drive" and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Gardai wish to speak with any person who may have been in the Moatview Gardens/Drive area of Coolock or in any adjoining roads between 9.30pm and 10pm last night Monday 13th January, 2020.

“In particular Gardai are seeking assistance from all road users who may have dashcam footage in their vehicles which may assist investigating Gardai and any assistance any person may have can contact Gardai in Coolock Garda station on 01 – 6664200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

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Police are working with Forensic Science Ireland to identify the contents of the bag, which reportedly contain arms and legs.

“The Dublin City Coroner has been notified and the services of the State Pathologist have been requested.”

MPs and local representatives have expressed shock and concern about the incident and linked it to rising drug crime in Dublin and regional towns.

According to Central Statistics Office, parts of Dublin saw a 60 per cent increase in the number of drug offences from 2015 to 2018.

Labour councillor in Dublin, Alison Gilliland, said: “No one wins when it comes to drugs and EVERYONE who takes drugs is complicit in each act of violence associated with drugs including this murder!”

Sinn Fein MP for Dublin Bay North, Denise Mitchell, said: “The discovery of a dismembered body in Moatview is a horrific thing for local residents to experience. My thoughts are with the teenagers who made this terrible discovery on the green outside their homes last night and local residents who are shocked and terrified that this could happen on their doorsteps.

“The people of Coolock and the wider Dublin Bay North area have been subjected to fear and intimidation by these drug gangs for too long, but this is a particularly grisly chapter.

“The incident really drives home the need for greater Garda resources in the area,” added Ms Mitchell, who is from Coolock.