Man arrested after “hostage barricade situation” in Mayo town

The man was brandishing a knife during the standoff.

A man in his 30s was arrested on Wednesday night after a "hostage barricade situation" with gardaí in a retail outlet in the Market Square area of Ballina, Co Mayo. Garda Emergency Response Unit were alerted after reports of a man brandishing a knife in a threatening manner in the Market Square area at around 6 pm. The man then barricaded himself inside the premises, believed to be a small grocery store, and threatened to injure himself, while gardaí sealed up part of the town. [caption id="attachment_779963" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image via Rolling News[/caption]

Gardaí respond to reports of a man brandishing a knife threateningly in Ballina, Co Mayo.

In a statement to JOE, a garda spokesperson said:

"Gardaí in Ballina responded to reports of a male brandishing a knife in a threatening manner in the Market Square area of Ballina, County Mayo yesterday evening, Wednesday 27th September 2023 at approximately 6 pm.

"On arrival at the scene, Gardaí followed the man (aged in his mid-30s) where he secured himself in a business premises and threatened to injure himself. No other persons were in the business premises at the time.

"A hostage barricade situation ensued.

"Gardaí brought the incident to a conclusion and the male was arrested. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in County Mayo."

Gardaí also confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Related articles:

• Male suffers 'serious facial injuries' in Dublin dog attack
• Drug seizure off Irish coast is 'largest in history of the state'
• Micheál Martin doesn't mince his words when asked about 'Zombie' debate
• Flights diverted and ferries cancelled as Storm Agnes makes landfall