School put into 'lockdown' as gardai arrest man over alleged online threats
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Gardaí have arrested a man in Laois as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged threats shared online.
Officers made the arrest in Abbeyleix, Laois on Wednesday morning following an ongoing probe into alleged threats that have been shared widely across social media. While the veracity of the threats cannot be confirmed, it is understood that the alleged remarks were sinister in nature.
In a video circulating on social media a man can be heard saying: 'Irish, I'm coming on top of you now. I'm gonna be slicing your babies, kids and you, good for everybody. Get ready, cause you p***ed me off..."
Scoil Mhuire on the Ballyroan Road in Abbeyleix went into 'lockdown' for several hours as a precaution on Wednesday morning before the male was apprehended by Gardaí and is now in custody. In a Precaution Notice sent out to the school community by Principal of Scoil Mhuire Margaret Slevin at 9.46am it stated: 'Dear Parent/Guardian, We are aware of rumours circulating in Abbeyleix this morning.
"Please be reassured that we are doing everything in our power to keep the children and staff safe. Everyone will remain indoors today or until we hear otherwise. Thank you for your co-operation with this matter.'
Later, after the male was apprehended by Gardaí, the Principal updated parents and guardians of students with a new notice stating: 'We have been contacted by the local guards. A man has been apprehended and is in custody.
"We thank the local Guards for watching out so diligently for us. Normal workings in the school resume.'
The arrested male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. A Garda spokesperson confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety at this time but said that as a 'person is now in custody there is no further comment at this time."
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