‘Misinformation and disinformation’ surrounding the death of a man in Dublin yesterday is ‘generally unhelpful and upsetting to his family,’ Gardaí have warned.

It comes after a man in his 30s became seriously ill near Saggart Luas Terminal and later died in hospital.

In a statement this afternoon, Gardaí said they are aware of online posts and comments linking the death to immigration and international protection.

“This speculation and commentary is completely false,” said a Garda spokesperson.

“This sort of baseless speculation is not only generally unhelpful but is upsetting to a family who have, in the very immediate, lost a loved one.”

The spokesperson said Gardaí are dealing with widespread “online misinformation, disinformation and fake news” in relation to many incidents around the country.

Gardaí are urging the public to “independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and or messaging apps”.

The man fell seriously ill in Saggart yesterday evening.

Officers sealed off Fortunestown Lane to allow ambulance personnel to treat the man.

He was taken from the scene to Tallaght Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.