An Garda Síochána has blasted “completely inaccurate” misinformation shared online relating to the tragic death of Garda Kevin Flatley.
A social media post, which has had hundreds of thousands of views, made claims about the circumstances leading up to the garda’s death last Sunday afternoon in north county Dublin.
In a statement, Gardai said:
“The commentary being circulated online is completely inaccurate and has no basis whatsoever in fact.
“This type of misinformation also risks diverting Garda resources and time from what is a complex and ongoing investigation into this collision.
“We have regularly highlighted the rise in the level of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.
“Misinformation, disinformation and fake news are typically amplified by multiple accounts in order to spread concern within communities.
“We appeal to all members of the public to independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and/ or messaging apps.
“An Garda Siochana has made social media companies aware of this misinformation.
“It is a matter for them to comment on requests from An Garda Siochana for this material to be removed from their platforms.”