Investigation Launched After Man Dies Following Shoplifting Incident in Dublin City Centre

An investigation is under way in Dublin following the death of a man in his 30s after an alleged shoplifting incident in the city centre, which also left an elderly man injured.

Gardaí said they were called to Henry Street on Friday afternoon after security staff detained a man in connection with an incident at a retail premises at approximately 5pm.

According to initial reports, during the course of the incident a man in his 80s sustained injuries when the suspect attempted to flee the scene. The elderly man was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment. His injuries are understood to be non-life-threatening.

Shortly after being detained by security personnel, the suspect became unresponsive at the scene. Emergency services attended and the man was transported to the Mater Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Gardaí have confirmed that a post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death. The results are expected to play a key role in determining the direction of the ongoing investigation.

A scene on Henry Street was preserved for forensic examination, and gardaí have appealed for witnesses who may have been in the area between 5pm and 5.30pm. Investigators are particularly seeking any mobile phone or dashcam footage that may assist in reconstructing the sequence of events.

Members of the public are being asked to contact Store Street Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line, or any garda station with relevant information.

Authorities also confirmed that the incident has been referred to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, in line with standard procedure when a death occurs following contact with law enforcement or security interventions.

The circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain unclear at this stage, and investigators have said all possibilities are being examined. The focus of the inquiry includes the events leading up to the man being detained, his subsequent medical emergency, and the injuries sustained by the elderly man during the incident.

Gardaí have not released the identities of those involved. Further updates are expected once the post-mortem examination has been completed and witness statements and video evidence have been reviewed.

The area around Henry Street, one of Dublin’s busiest shopping districts, has since reopened following the completion of initial forensic work.