'Fake news' - Gardai aware of misinformation over reports of attempted child abduction

Gardai in Dublin say they are aware of misinformation and 'fake news' surrounding an alleged attempt to abduct a child over the weekend.

In a statement, issued this Monday evening, they say no such incident has been reported and that they are "conscious of the volume of misinformation, disinformation and fake news" regarding the claims which may have sparked a subsequent public order disturbance.  

"Gardaí are investigating a number of public order incidents on Cappagh Road and Cardiffsbridge Road in Finglas on Sunday evening, August 25, 2024," said a spokesperson.

"An Garda Síochána is aware of suggestions of an inappropriate approach to children or attempted child abduction which led to this public order incident. No incident of attempted child abduction or similar activity has been reported to An Garda Síochána nor has An Garda Síochána any information to substantiate such claims," they added.

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An Garda Síochána are appealing to anyone who directly observed any attempted abduction or inappropriate approach to a child, who has direct knowledge of any attempted abduction or inappropriate approach to a child occurring in the Finglas area to contact Finglas garda station at 01 666 7500.

"An Garda Síochána is very conscious of the volume of misinformation, disinformation and fake news circulating on this incident, and in general, particularly on social media and direct messaging platforms. An Garda Síochána appeals to all members of the public and the media to independently verify any information published on social media and/or messaging apps," said a spokesperson.

Gardai have also clarified that under the provisions of Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is the sole agency invested with the statutory role of preserving peace and public order.

"It is also An Garda Síochána's statutory role to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation. An Garda Síochána urges anyone with information relating to any crime to immediately report it for it to be thoroughly investigated by gardai," read the statement issued this Monday.