
Man dead and child injured after shots fired in Carlow shopping centre
A lone gunman is believed to have discharged a number of shots, but was later declared dead at the scene
A man has died following a shooting incident at a shopping centre in Carlow, while the bomb squad has also been called.
A nine-year-old child was also shot in the leg during the terrifying incident this evening.
Gardaí were alerted to reports of shots being fired at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow shortly after 6pm.
A lone gunman is believed to have discharged a number of shots, but was later declared dead at the scene.
A suspicious device was also found on the man, which necessitated the Army bomb squad to be called to the scene.
A nine-year-old shot was in the leg, and it is understood their injuries are non-life threatening. No other injuries have been reported.
A statement from An Garda Siochána said: 'Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at a retail premises in Carlow town. The alarm was raised shortly after 6.15pm.
'The premises has been evacuated and the scene is preserved. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been requested to attend.
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News in 90 Seconds - June 1st
'At this time, there is no further concern for public safety.'
Gardaí added that anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident is urged not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to Gardaí at Carlow Garda Station.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Fine Gael councillor Fergal Browne told the Irish Independent he had heard extensive unconfirmed reports. But he urged calm in the community.
'I've heard unconfirmed reports that sound like a very serious incident here in Carlow this evening,' Cllr Browne said.
'The community is in shock at such a disturbance on a bank holiday Sunday.
The town was busy. My friend was at the bottle bank and heard three gun shots go off. They thought it was fireworks.
'My thoughts are with anyone who witnessed this incident. I compliment the gardaí and emergency services who rushed to this scene. We are still learning more, so I urge calm.'
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