MEMBERS of the Armed Support Unit arrested a man in his twenties in Westbury on Friday.
An Garda Síochána have said they are aware of significant disinformation, misinformation, rumour and exaggeration online in relation to the arrest of a man in his twenties.
Gardaí received reports of “a man acting erratically on the Corbally Road” shortly after 12pm on Friday.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí told The Clare Echo, “With the assistance of the Armed Support Unit, a man in his 20s was arrested in the area shortly after. A small flick knife was seized”.
This man was detained at a Garda Station in Limerick City, he has since been charged and will appear before the Limerick District Court on Saturday morning.
The Clare Echo understands that the man had been at more than one location across Limerick City and its environs with a blade of the knife exposed. He is understood to have been living in the country for over five years.
Close to Lidl in Westbury, the man is understood to have approached three male teenage students while brandishing the knife.
Incorrect reports have circulated online claiming the man had a sword.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) who lives in Westbury commended the actions of Gardaí. “I want to praise An Garda Síochána for quickly taking control of this frightening situation. I have been contacted by many locals who either personally experienced the incident or heard about it on the local grapevine – for their sakes and for the sake of safety in the community I hope that this matter will be robustly pursued through the criminal-justice channels”.
