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Gardaí are appealing to the public to be aware of “misinformation” circulating online and through direct messaging apps related to an alleged incident near a school in Finglas this morning.
Gardaí have said the incident was the result of a misunderstanding and no criminal activity took place.
Shortly before 9am this morning, a young adult male with limited proficiency in English was on the street and needed assistance to contact a family member – he was asking those passing by if he could use their wifi to contact a family member.
This request for assistance was misinterpreted and led to a call from onlookers to Gardaí.
“On arrival, Gardaí made appropriate enquiries and subsequently brought the young man away with them solely to provide the assistance that he had sought in making contact with his family,” said a garda spokesperson.
“No criminal offence occurred and An Garda Síochána is satisfied that this person did not pose a threat to the public.
“An Garda Síochána is aware of misinformation in circulation regarding this matter and advise the general public, media and public representatives to independently verify the source of their information to ensure accuracy,” they added.