A major search operation is underway for a man who was seen jumping off a bridge in Limerick city this morning.

Several motorists and pedestrians reported seeing the man enter the River Shannon from Sarsfield Bridge around 10am.

The Shannon-based Coast Guard Helicopter, “Rescue 115”, was dispatched to the scene earlier, but has since returned to base.

Members of Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Service are carrying out searches of the river using two boats.

“We have eight people members involved in the search. At Keats four witnesses reported seeing the man entering the river.

We are currently searching between Sarsfield Bridge and Shannon Bridge,” said a spokesperson for the search group.