Man with ‘imitation firearm’ and suspect device arrested after Smithfield courthouse evacuated

Gardaí are responding to a security incident at a courthouse in Smithfield, Dublin.

The courthouse was evacuated shortly before noon today, after gardaí received reports of a man armed with a firearm and suspect device. The man has since been arrested and is being detained at the Bridewell Garda station. A statement from the gardaí said that what is believed to be an imitation firearm - pending examination - has been seized. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are currently at scene to examine the suspect device.   The Courthouse has been evacuated and a scene is in place. Investigations are ongoing and gardaí remain at the scene. The full statement says:

"Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at a Courthouse in Smithfield, Dublin 7. Gardaí received reports of a male armed with a firearm and a suspect device at approximately 11:30am on 20th December 2018. "The male has since been arrested and is currently detained at the Bridewell Garda station. "An imitation firearm (pending examination) has been seized and the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are currently at scene to examine the suspect device. "The Courthouse has been evacuated and a scene is in place. Investigations are ongoing."