Man dies after alleged shoplifting incident on Dublin’s Henry Street

An Garda Síochána cordon off a section of Henry Street in front of Arnott’s on Friday evening. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

A man in his 30s has died following an incident linked to an alleged shoplifting incident in Dublin on Friday that also left a man in his 80s injured.

Shortly after 5pm, An Garda Síochána said they were alerted after security personnel detained a man on Henry Street in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident.

A man in his 80s was injured as the suspect attempted to flee the scene. He was taken to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

The detained man later became unresponsive at the scene and was taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Gardaí attached to Store Street Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

They said the scene was preserved for a forensic examination, while the coroner was notified and an autopsy is due to take place.

Gardaí said the results of the autopsy are expected to determine the direction of the investigation.

Fiosrú, the office of the police ombudsman, is investigating the incident. It comes after a referral from a garda superintendent under section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

Its team of investigators attended the scene, a spokesperson for the ombudsman said.

An appeal has also been issued for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone with video footage from Henry Street between 5pm and 5.30pm on Friday, May 15.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 6668000, the Garda Confidential Line, or any Garda Station,” a garda spokesperson added.