08CAR/FIRE/COPY/UD/RC

A number of homes in Dublin have been damaged after a car exploded in the city centre last night.

Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the incident which happened on Long Lane in Dublin 8 at about 11pm.

The scene - which is near a community care centre for older people - has been sealed off and preserved, and army bomb experts have examined the damage.

Gardaí are calling for any witnesses to come forward.