Gardaí warn about online misinformation after incident at west Dublin school

People have been urged to be wary of “fake news” after misinformation was spread online in relation to a public order incident at a Dublin school.

Gardaí said that Irish students were the only people involved in the incident which took place on the Blakestown Road at around 1.45pm on Thursday.

“All those involved in this incident are school students and Irish nationals,” they said in a statement.

“The incident is contained within the school and did not involve an adult male.”

Gardai said it was liaising with the management of a secondary school in relation to the incident.

They have also sought to liaise with the director of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

Gardaí urged people to try to verify posts they see online or that are sent to them on messaging apps.

“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.

“An Garda Síochána appeal to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps.”

It added that gardaí were the “sole agency” in charge of preserving peace and public order, and urged anyone with information about any crime to report it so that gardaí can investigate.