'Fake news' - Gardai issue appeal over incident involving students at Dublin school

Gardai have expressed concern over the volume of “misinformation and fake news” in circulation regarding a serious public order incident in Dublin earlier this week.

In a statement, issued this Friday evening, a spokesperson confirmed that members of the force responded to a public order incident that occurred on Blakestown Road, Dublin 15 at approximately 1.45pm on Thursday.

“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 this incident,” they said.

Given the nature and volume of online commentary, gardai have taken the unusual step of providing further details regarding those who were allegedly involved.

“All those involved in this incident are school students and Irish nationals. The incident is contained within the school and did not involve an adult male. 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,” said the spokesperson.

Investigations are ongoing and gardai are appealing to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps.

They have also issued a reminder that 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,” read this Friday’s statement.

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