Gardaí are warning of "fake news" being spread over attempted child abduction claims in north Dublin.
They sparked public order incidents in the area in recent days.
Gardaí issued this statement after claims were made that there was an attempt to kidnap children in Finglas over the weekend.
It led to public order incidents on Cappagh Road and Cardiffsbridge Road on Sunday evening, which are under investigation.
However gardaí say no incident of attempted child abduction or similar activity has been reported to them and that they have no information to substantiate the claims.
Gardaí have warned there is significant misinformation, disinformation and fake news circulating about the incident online and on messaging apps.
The force is urging people to independently verify any information they come across.
An appeal has been made to anyone who directly observed any attempted abduction or inappropriate approach to a child, who has direct knowledge of any attempted abduction or inappropriate approach to a child occurring in the Finglas area to contact Finglas Garda Station at 01 666 7500.