The senior garda responsible for policing in Dublin has asked people concerned about drugs in the city to have faith in the force rather than in vigilantes.

Assistant Commissioner Tom King is reviewing the way the Garda operates against drug dealers in Dublin and may reorganise the force in the city.

Mr King pointed out that in Belfast a man had been shot dead recently, apparently by anti-drug vigilantes.

"Do the people of Dublin want that on the streets?" he asked. "The only way to avoid that is to put your faith in us."