Longford Shopping Centre and Dunnes Stores evacuated amid major security alert

Gardaí at the scene of a sealed off Dunnes Stores this evening

Liam Cosgrove

12 Aug 2023

Longford Shopping Centre and a supermarket is closed off this evening on foot of a major security scare.

Both scenes are cordoned off to the public this evening in the wake of a phone call made to Longford garda station earlier today which prompted an evacuation of both premises.

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Shortly after 4pm, a number of officers entered Dunnes Stores, on the county town’s Dublin Road and swiftly began ordering shoppers and staff outside.

The car park outside was evacuated soon after as part of that garda response.

A short time later, a similar operation was carried out at Longford Shopping Centre with approach roads to the complex being cordoned off to the public.

Gardaí have launched a major investigation into establishing the identity of an individual who is suspected of making a number of hoax bomb threats that yesterday resulted in the evacuation of Longford Shopping Centre and a major supermarket in the county town.

In a statement, gardaí said a series of retail outlets would remain closed until such time as they are deemed safe to be reopened.

“Following a call reported to Longford Gardaí on the afternoon of Saturday 12th August 2023, a number of retail premises have been cleared and scenes preserved in Longford town,” said a spokesperson.

“Gardaí remain at the scene and are liaising with specialist search resources and the Irish Defence Forces as well as management of these retail premises with a view to returning these areas as soon as they are deemed safe.”