Updated 21.30

Gardaí have finished carrying out searches at Blanchardstown Centre in west Dublin.

A number of units attended the scene after an alert was raised at around 5pm this evening.

The centre was evacuated during the security operation.

Photos from the scene showed armed gardaí at the centre.

However, members of the force have now left the scene.

Gardaí say they were dealing with a security incident but will not be commenting further on the operation, which has now been stood down.

Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Blanchardstown Centre will remain closed for the night, but is expected to reopen as normal tomorrow morning.

Sinn Féin Paul Donnelly councillor earlier said roads around the centre were 'on complete lockdown':