VIDEO: Gardai confirm death of man following shooting incident at Carlow shopping centre

A man has died following a shooting incident at a busy shopping centre in Carlow town, gardai have confirmed.

A major investigation is underway following the incident which saw hundreds of people being evacuated from Fairgreen Shopping Centre Carlow on Sunday evening.

Gardai say the alarm was raised shortly after 6:15pm when reports were received of a firearm being discharged in a supermarket inside the shopping centre. 

There was a major response involving local gardai supported by members of the Armed Support Unit. Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene as did paramedics from the National Ambulance Service.

Around an hour after the incident, gardai confirmed there was no "further concern for public safety" and in an update, issued shortly after 9pm, a spokesperson confirmed a man has died.

"An Garda Síochána are currently at the scene, with the shopping centre and car park cordoned off. The cordon will remain in place overnight. A white Irish adult male is deceased at the scene.

"A female juvenile received treatment from paramedics following the incident but did not require hospital care. It's undetermined at this time as to how those injuries were sustained."

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Gardai have also confirmed that an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been requested to attend and that the cordon will not be relaxed until the area is declared safe.

Reacting to the shooting incident, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" by what happened.

"My thoughts are with the families affected and the local community in Carlow after what was a very serious and traumatic incident. I urge anyone who has information to speak to the Gardaí," he said.

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.

“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," he said.

Mr O'Callaghan added: “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."

In a statement, Tanáiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said he is "deeply concerned" by what happened has been briefed throughout the evening.

“I understand a young child has been hurt and I join with people across our country in thinking of them and their family tonight. I am also thinking of all those who witnessed this situation and the awful shock and upset it must have caused them. I know their families and communities will rally to support them."

Anyone who may have recorded footage of this Sunday's incident is urged not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Investigations are ongoing.