ALERT: Man arrested following seizure of suspected firearm on busy commuter train in Dublin
Gardai say they are aware of 'misinformation, disinformation and fake news' being circulated online
A man has been arrested by gardai following the seizure of a suspected firearm on board a busy commuter train in Dublin.
Earlier on Wednesday evening, Iarnród Éireann confirmed that Connelly Station had been evacuated as gardai were dealing with an incident.
In an update issued shortly after 9pm, a garda spokesperson said reports were received shortly after 6.20pm of a male passenger who had been observed to be in possession of a suspected firearm.
"An Garda Síochána swiftly deployed a large-scale response including several Garda Armed Response Units based in Dublin city. One male, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939," they said.
The suspected firearm has now been seized and a full technical examination will be conducted to determine its status under Irish legislation.
The spokesperson added that there are no allegations of any threats being made towards any other passengers onboard the train.
"To ensure full public safety, gardaí evacuated Connolly Station and conducted a security sweep of both the station and the train on which this person was a passenger. There are no ongoing public safety issues due to this incident and the station has now reopened."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Store garda station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Gardai say they are aware of commentary in circulation online in relation to this incident which contains "misinformation, disinformation and fake news".
"Once again, An Garda Síochána appeals to the public to independently verify any information that is shared on social media and/or sent through messaging sharing apps," said a spokesperson.