Gardaí have been called to investigate as shocking images showing a man in priest vestments performing a sex act were circulated. 

The Catholic Church have called the images "an abomination". 

According to The Irish Independent, a full investigation is expected to follow into the "sacrilege".

The paper reports that senior clerics and bishops have been made aware of the images, yet  a spokesperson for the diocese declined to comment further for legal reasons.

The images reportedly show two men engaged in sexual activity and in intimate poses across what appears to be the altar of a small rural church in Ireland.

One of the men is dressed as a priest - it is assumed that he is not actually a priest. 

"The photographs depict something that appears somewhat satanic," an anonymous source told the publication as he called for "some sort of an exorcism at that church".

It is unsure when the images date back to.