Halloween mayhem as large crowds gather on Dublin's O'Connell Street for hoax parade
by Ruairi Scott Byrne · Irish MirrorGardaí have issued an appeal to the public after large crowds gathered on Dublin's O'Connell Street on Thursday evening for a hoax Halloween parade.
Rumours circulated online claiming that a parade would be held on the city's main thoroughfare from 7pm until 9pm on Halloween night, with videos posted on TikTok promoting the event earning thousands of views.
A website which purported to be run by the organisers of the event - which is now believed to have been an elaborate prank - claimed the parade would begin at Parnell Square before following a route that ended up at Christchurch Cathedral.
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Images and videos shared on social media showed hundreds of people lining O'Connell Street on Thursday evening in anticipation of the bogus event. However, Gardaí have confirmed that no such parade was planned or scheduled to take place as they urged people to leave the area safely.
A Garda spokesperson said: "Please be advised that contrary to information being circulated online, no Halloween parade is scheduled to take place in Dublin City Centre this evening or tonight. All those gathered on O’Connell Street in expectation of such a parade are asked to disperse safely.
"Should you need our help or assistance, we are out on the beat along O’Connell Street and surrounding areas throughout this evening and tonight - please do not hesitate to stop and speak with us."
The large crowds gathered on O'Connell Street led to disruptions to the city's Luas services. Red Line services were not running from Smithfield to The Point, while Green Line services were paused between St Stephen's Green and Dominick. Full Red and Green Line Line services have since resumed with delays.
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