The US authorities have warned American citizens not to attend a weekend music festival in Ireland due to the potential for violence.
The Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs and the US Embassy in Ireland issued alerts on Friday as the Longitude Festival got under way in Dublin.
“Reports indicate a potential for violence at the Longitude Festival taking place from July 5-7, 2019, in Marlay Park, Dublin,” said the statement.
“Local police are aware of the threat and will conduct comprehensive bag and person searches. The police have increased event security and are monitoring the situation.”
#Dublin #Ireland: Reports indicate a potential for violence at the Longitude Festival taking place from July 5-7 in Marlay Park. Police have increased event security and are monitoring the situation. Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution if in the area. pic.twitter.com/buBHuD5JRo
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) July 5, 2019
Grime artist Stormzy is one of the acts due to headline the festival over the weekend.
The embassy urged citizens to avoid the park in the Rathfarnham area of south Dublin and surrounding areas.
If people did attend, they should exercise caution, monitor media for updates, keep a low profile and notify friends and family about their safety, the alert added.
The park has played host to the weekend festival since 2013. This year’s event got under way on Friday afternoon with American rapper Pusha T taking to the stage.
The party has started at Longitude, have a brilliant weekend.
Gardaí getting in the party mood with revellers pic.twitter.com/rY3qy2AapT
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) July 5, 2019
The Garda said it did not comment on statements by third parties, but said no incidents had been reported at Longitude as of Friday evening.
“The festival is being policed appropriately following normal security risk assessment,” said a Garda spokesman.
On Friday evening, the Garda posted a number of twitter pictures of its officers posing with festival goers.
One was accompanied with the message – “The party has started at Longitude, have a brilliant weekend. Gardai getting in the party mood with revellers”.