Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin was evacuated this evening as part of a security operation.
Shoppers and staff were led away from the retail space during the operation, which began shortly after 5pm.
The operation has now been stood down, and the centre is due to reopen as normal tomorrow.
The ERU have evacuated Blanchardstown shopping centre. pic.twitter.com/pFEOLyI1J0
— Photos of Dublin (@PhotosOfDublin) November 1, 2017
Armed gardaí were among those at the scene.
Just in @blanchcentre and the whole place has been evacuated with armed Gardai in the centre. Anyone know what's happening? #Blanchardstown
— Ailbhe Garrihy (@Ailbhegarrihyx) November 1, 2017
Gardaí have said they were dealing with a security incident but will not be commenting further on this evening's operation.
Local Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Donnelly says there was huge congestion around the approach roads to the centre.
Armed police unit taking over at Blanchardstown shopping centre.
Whole centre being evacuated.
WHAT IS HAPPENING 😰🤠👮🼠🚨
— Joël (@joelsajimon99) November 1, 2017
