Gardaí hit out at 'upsetting misinformation' after man dies suddenly

Gardaí had sealed off a nearby road near the Saggart LUAS terminal to allow treatment for the man that had fallen ill. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

Gardaí have criticised what they say is "unhelpful" and "upsetting" misinformation surrounding the death of a man in Dublin.

On Wednesday evening, ambulance services were called to a medical emergency near the Saggart LUAS terminal. They subsequently called gardaí, who sealed off a nearby road to allow treatment for the man that had fallen ill.

The man aged in his 30s, was taken from the scene to Tallaght Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. However, posts online soon appeared speculating that the incident was linked to immigration and international protection.

In a statement on Thursday, gardaí said they were "aware" of said posts and comments, but said they were "completely false."

They said: "This sort of baseless speculation is not only generally unhelpful, but is upsetting to a family who have in the very immediate past lost a loved one.

 An Garda Síochána is very aware of online misinformation, disinformation and fake news, not just in relation to this incident, but in general, in widespread public circulation.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to all members of the public to independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and/or messaging apps."

On Wednesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that there was "no hiding place" for people who were making threats online.

He said: “The laws of the land apply to people online just as much as offline. There can be no hiding place for anyone seeking to threaten, attack or harm people or to incite others to do so.”