A MAN has been arrested following a major security incident at Dublin Children's Court in Smithfield on the Northside of the Irish capital's inner city.
Gardaí evacuated the courthouse complex at around noon today following reports that a man brandishing a gun had entered the building.
The Irish Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad was also called to the scene as it is understood the man also had an explosive device.
A man was taken into custody shortly after the incident which saw a woman specifically threatened, according to RTÉ News.
Reports prior to the arrest claimed that a judge had been taken hostage.
Some sort of security incident in Smithfield. Armed Gardaí at the scene. Rumours of shooting inside Phoenix House court complex pic.twitter.com/DIAH4SEJeA
— Eoin Martin (@egmartinator) 20 December 2018
The suspect, who according to witnesses appeared to be a grey-haired man in his 40s, has been taken to Bridewell Garda Station.
He was briefly spotted being led to a Garda van in handcuffs by two armed officers and was wearing jeans and a black jacket.
A Garda cordon is in place at the scene and a security check of the court building is ongoing.
The Luas Red Line has been suspended and is running only between Saggart/Tallaght and Blackhorse.
There is no service between Blackhorse and the City/The Point on instruction from Gardaí.
A Garda statement said: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at the courthouse in Smithfield Dublin 7.
"A courthouse has been evacuated due to a suspect device being located. The area has been cordoned off.
"The army EOD team are currently en route. Further updates will follow."
Be advise Luas Red Line is running only between Saggart/Tallaght and Blackhorse. There is no service between Blackhorse and the City/The Point on instruction from the Gardai.
Luas tickets are valid on Dublin Bus for the duration of the disruption.
— Luas (@Luas) 20 December 2018
