Carlow shooting: Gunman 'fires on public at shopping centre' as child injured

A man died and a child was injured in a shocking in this evening as a gunman reportedly fired on panicked shoppers.

The incident happened at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow at around 6.15pm. Sources have claimed the man fired several shots in the busy shopping centre, leading to shoppers fleeing in panic.

A man was confirmed to have died while a child was injured - but at the moment it's unclear whether he suffered a gunshot wound or was hurt running from the scene. Gardai, the ambulance and fire service rushed to the shopping centre, which was evacuated. A large cordon is in place.

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It is understood police believe the man shot himself, the reports. Sources have also claimed the man appeared to have some "suspicious items" strapped to himself - and gardai have reportedly called in the Defence Forces bomb squad to examine the man's body. Police said there is no further concern for public safety.

A spokeswoman for the police force said: "Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at a retail premises in Carlow town. The alarm was raised shortly after 6:15pm. The premises has been evacuated and the scene is preserved. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been requested to attend.

"At this time, there is no further concern for public safety. Anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident is urged not to share it on social media platforms or messaging , but instead to provide it to Gardaí at Carlow Garda Station.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. No additional information is available at this time. Further updates will follow."

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has expressed his solidarity with those impacted by the incident. "This was a really shocking incident. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted including those working at the scene," he said.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information to speak to the gardaí and help with their investigations in any way that they can. This is something we never want or expect to happen in our communities. Gun violence is very rare in Ireland, and I am determined that will remain the case. The area in Carlow is safe. We must now allow An Garda Síochána to investigate this incident fully."