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Man arrested after suspect device found at Smithfield courthouse in Dublin

A man is being questioned this evening after a major security alert at the Family Law Courts in S...
Newstalk
Newstalk

12.11 20 Dec 2018


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Man arrested after suspect dev...

Man arrested after suspect device found at Smithfield courthouse in Dublin

Newstalk
Newstalk

12.11 20 Dec 2018


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A man is being questioned this evening after a major security alert at the Family Law Courts in Smithfield in Dublin.

Gardaí received reports of the situation at around 11:30am on Thursday.

It happened after a man burst into a courtroom claiming to have a gun and a device.

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Image: Stephanie Rohan

The man has since been arrested and is currently being held at Bridewell Garda station.

Gardaí say an imitation firearm has been seized.

The army bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion on the suspicious device before removing it for further tests.

The courthouse was evacuated and a large cordon was put in place in Smithfield, but the area has since reopened.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.

Image: Stephanie Rohan

In a statement following the incident, the Council of The Bar of Ireland said issues of safety and security of barristers and all those working in the courts system are "an absolute priority".

The council said: "The Bar of Ireland will continue to actively engage with all relevant parties to ensure the protection of our members, and to facilitate a safe environment in which barristers can advocate on behalf of their clients."

Today's events earlier led to significant Luas disruption between Blackhorse and the City/The Point.

Services have since resumed - with operator Transdev telling passengers to expect delays on the Red Line.

Reporting by Jack Quann, Stephanie Rohan and Stephen McNeice


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