Gardaí are warning the public about “fake news” surrounding a public order incident which occurred in Dublin 15 in recent days.
Gardaí said they responded to a public order incident that occurred on Blakestown Road, Dublin 15, at approximately 1:45pm on Thursday.
Dozens of accounts online have spread misinformation with regard to this incident, with many alleging an adult male was involved.
All those involved in this incident are school students and Irish nationals, Gardaí said, and said the incident is contained within the school and did not involve an adult male.
Various social media accounts with large followings shared footage of the incident alongside captions which perpetuated far right narratives, which were “fake news”, according to Gardaí.
As part of its investigation into this incident, An Garda Síochána has sought the advice of the Director of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Local Gardaí are also liaising with the management of a secondary school in the area in relation to the incident.
“An Garda Síochána is very conscious of the volume of misinformation and fake news in circulation regarding this incident – particularly on social media and direct messaging platforms.
“An Garda Síochána appeal to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps.
“Under Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, An Garda Síochána is the sole agency invested with the statutory role of preserving peace and public order. It is also An Garda Síochána’s statutory role to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation.
“An Garda Síochána urge anyone with information relating to any crime to immediately report it for it to be thoroughly investigated by Gardaí,” a garda spokesperson said.
