An appeal has been made to person who may have picked up a potentially explosive device on a public walking trail in Co Wicklow to make urgent contact with gardaí.
The ordnance was discovered by a person out walking on a trail at Lugnaquilla near the military lands in the Glen of Imaal.
It was found partially buried in the ground and appeared to have been in the location for some time.
However, after the discovery was reported to gardaí, the ordnance went missing.
It is believed that it may have been removed by a person or persons unknown.
The device has been described as an 84mm Illumination round - used for military purposes to light up an area at night time.
It is around 30cm long and weighs 3.1kg.
It is white in colour and marked as an 84mm ILLUM round.
Gardaí said that there is a possibility that the casing may still contain explosive and incendiary material and if it is still live, it would pose a significant risk to the public.
The device was originally discovered inside the signposted Range Danger Area near the Glen of Imaal artillery range.
The training area is used to prepare Defence Forces personnel train to carry out their duties at home and overseas.
Gardaí are warning any members of the public who may have knowledge of the ordnance not to further move or transport it.
They are asking instead for them to make urgent contact with An Garda Síochána by calling 999 / 112, or by contacting Baltinglass Garda Station 059 6482610, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or at any garda station.
