A human hand has been found in the yard of a school in Dublin.
Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery this morning.
It is believed the body part, which is badly decomposed, had been dropped by a bird into the school yard.
The school was closed for the midterm break.
Detectives checked CCTV in the area and the scene was technically examined before the hand was removed for a forensic examination.
RTE report that Forensic Science Ireland will carry out DNA tests to seek to identify the person involved.
Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind and will pursue any lines of inquiry.
There is no indication of anything sinister at this stage.
The hand could have been carried by seabirds from the coast and detectives will also check the missing person’s register.