Gardaí hit out at misinformation over sudden death of man in Dublin

Michael Bolton

Gardaí have criticised misinformation online surrounding the death of a man in Dublin on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, August 7th, gardaí were requested by the national ambulance service to assist with a medical emergency near Saggart Luas Terminal, where a man was seriously ill.

Gardaí sealed off Fortunestown Lane to allow ambulance personnel to treat the man.

The man, aged in his 30s, was taken from the scene to Tallaght Hospital where he later died.

Gardaí said they were aware of posts and comments online with misinformation and disinformation speculating and linking this personal incident to immigration and international protection.

This speculation and commentary is completely false.

Gardaí said this "baseless speculation is not only generally unhelpful, but is upsetting to a family who have in the very immediate lost a loved one."

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

They are appealing to all members of the public to independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and/ or messaging apps.