ARMED support was called in after gardaí came under attack investigating reports of looting at a Lidl store in Ireland.
Nine people have been arrested following the disturbances, during which a JCB was reportedly used to break in to the Fortunestown Lane store.
They are currently being held at Dublin Garda Stations.
Garai have confirmed that “substantial damage” was caused to the store, as well as a second premise in Jobstown.
I am seething! Lidl in Jobstown, Tallaght after being looted and now has collapsed after being torn down? Is this the purge?! pic.twitter.com/Gwb6mEWkoE
— john (@Scarlet4UrMa) 2 March 2018
The supermarket meanwhile has confirmed no members of staff were injured during the incident.
Gardaí were responding to reports of looting at the Fortunestown Lane Lidl store at around 5pm.
After being unable to access the scene in an SUV, they proceeded on foot, but came under attack from people throwing objects.
At that point three patrols from the armed support unit were deployed as well as four traffic jeeps.
Gardai said they were investigating reports of vehicle thefts.
Footage on social media appeared to social a JCB being used to break into the store.
It was also claimed the vehicle was used to try and smash into a safe.
Dublin Fire Brigade also dispatched three engines to reports of a fire in the area but no fire was found.
Lads in tallaght robbed ATM/safe from Lidl, which they also demolished, are now attempting to smash open the safe. pic.twitter.com/aDtQjlB9Wu
— Niall Swan (@NiallMacSuain) 2 March 2018
Paul Murphy, Solidarity TD for Dublin South West, said those responsible don’t represent Jobstown.
“Those involved are putting emergency services personnel and others' lives at risk,” said Murphy.
“This tiny minority obviously don't represent Jobstown.
“In fact, those involved are likely the same people who have terrorised people in the community for years.”
Katherine Zappone, Independent TD for Dublin South West, said the incident wouldn’t break the community spirit in the area,
Some looters arrested #dublin #looters pic.twitter.com/eQXrUvqfPd
— Denis (@46Flynn) 2 March 2018
“Jobstown and Fortunestown are some of the strongest communities I have had the privilege to work with,” she said.
“We will not allow those behind the shocking scenes to tarnish an area of true local community spirit.”
Lidl said in a statement: “We are aware of the very serious incident at our Fortunestown Lane store this evening.
“As the store was closed when this incident occurred we can confirm no member of our team has been injured.
“Given that the incident is now the subject of a criminal investigation we are not in a position to comment further at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01-6666-000 or the Garda Confidential line 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.
See More: Dublin, Lidl, Storm Emma
