'Completely inaccurate': Gardaí condemn 'fake news' following death of Kevin Flatley

Garda Kevin Flatley died after being struck by a high-powered Yamaha R1 1000cc motorcycle during a speed check in Dublin. Picture: Collins Dublin

Gardaí have hit out at "fake news" and misinformation surrounding the incident which killed one of their members on Sunday.

Garda Kevin Flatley died after being struck by a high-powered Yamaha R1 1,000cc motorcycle during a speed check in Dublin.

Since that incident, posts on social media have appeared claiming to be from "eyewitness accounts."

On Wednesday morning, a statement from the force criticised these posts as "completely inaccurate."

A spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána is aware of content on social media platforms which purports to give an eyewitness account relating to a fatal road traffic collision which occurred on Sunday, 11th May 2025, in North Co. Dublin.

"The commentary being circulated online is completely inaccurate and has no basis whatsoever in fact. This type of misinformation also risks diverting Garda resources and time from what is a complex and ongoing investigation into this collision.

"We have regularly highlighted the rise in the level of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news."

The statement added that misinformation, disinformation, and fake news are "typically amplified by multiple accounts in order to spread concern within communities."

It continued: "We appeal to all members of the public to independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and/or messaging apps."

An Garda Síochána has made social media companies aware of this misinformation.