BREAKING: Major incident at Carlow shopping centre

There are reports of shots being fired during an incident in Carlow this evening. It is understood that a man has been shot dead with further reports of a child injured.

Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at a retail premises, The Fairgreen Shopping Centre, 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.

According to RTE reports, details of the incident remain unclear "but it appears a man fired a number of shots in the Tesco supermarket at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre at around 6.15pm.

"The man was fatally injured during the incident, his gunshot wounds appear self inflicted."

According to Gardai "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 apps, 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."

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has expressed his solidarity with those impacted by a serious incident in Carlow this evening.

“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.

“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.”

This story is being updated***