HUNT FOR ARMED TEEN
Shopping centre evacuated in alert over missing Jack, 19
GARDAI were last night hunting an armed teenager after a major security alert at a shopping centre.
Terrified customers were evacuated amid reports a man matching the description of missing 19-year-old Jack Dinan – believed to have a rifle and ammunition – was inside.
Armed cops surrounded Blanchardstown Centre in Dublin but later confirmed the search was stood down and no arrests made.
A SHOPPING centre was evacuated and surrounded by armed gardai last night amid fears a teenager was inside with a gun.
Crowds of people were told to leave the retail complex in Blanchardstown, West Dublin, after reports 19-year-old Jack Dinan was in the building.
The public were warned earlier in the day to stay away from the teenager, who was last seen in his home town in Co Clare on Tuesday, as he is believed to be in possession of a .22 rifle and rounds of ammunition.
Searches are being carried out in Ennis and surrounding areas to find him. A source claimed gardai received a call from a member of the public saying they spotted a man matching Mr Dinan’s description in the shopping centre.
Several people near the building said they were told to leave just after 6pm.
One tweeted: “Just been evacuated from blanchardstown centre ... very calmly I might add!”
Another wrote: “Was literally getting on my bus while looking at the armed Garda drive to #blanchardstown.”
Shoppers were kept out of the centre but by 8.20pm staff were allowed to go back in and retrieve items.
One worker said: “They just told us to leave. Not to close our tills or take any stuff with us. They’ve said nothing else. Our stuff is still all inside.” Another employee added: “I don’t know what’s going on, we’ve just been told to stick around as we may have to go back to work.”
The search was stood down just after 8pm when armed gardai were seen leaving the scene.
The Emergency Response Unit left at 8.30pm while other officers were gone by 8.44pm.
A Garda spokesman confirmed the search was stood down and no arrests were made in connection with the incident.
The public are being warned not to approach Mr Dinan who was last seen at his Considine Road home at around 10am on Tuesday. He is described as being 6ft and of slim build with black hair. He also wears a brace on his upper teeth.
Mr Dinan may have been wearing a grey hooded top and grey camouflaged jacket when last seen. His family are urging him to contact them.
It is believed Mr Dinan is under medical supervision and may appear confused or agitated.
A Garda spokesman said: “Jack is believed to be armed and the public are asked not to approach him but to contact gardai at Ennis Garda station on 065 6848100 or the emergency numbers 999 or 112.”