Gardai have given the public a set of guidelines for meeting people through dating apps following the death of two men in Sligo.
Officers are currently investigating if murdered and mutilated 41-year-old Aidan Moffitt met his attacker online.
The auctioneer and Fine Gael activist is believed to have been brutally attacked at the property in Cartron Heights on Monday night.
58-year-old Michael Snee was also found dead at an apartment at Connaughton Road shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday night.
At around 1.45am this morning, armed gardai arrested a man in his early 20s in Sligo town on suspicion of murder.
Gardai are urging people to take necessary precautions before meeting people online with concerns that both murders could have had a hate-related motive.
Their advice includes getting a picture of the person you are supposed to meet, video calling and letting friends know where you are going.
They are urging people to ring 999 immediately if things take a turn for the worst.
Their full advice is as follows:
Get a face picture from the person you intend to meet. Be very cautious of a person who doesn't share a recent face picture with you, particularly after you have shared yours.
If they don't want to share a face picture, consider asking them to go on a live video call (many apps have this option built in so you don't have to share your mobile number).
Ask for their social media handles. Do you have friends in common on Instagram or Facebook? Be wary of new accounts with low follower count and few posts.
Let friends know where you're going - send a text to a trusted friend or in a group chat, include your live location so you can be found if you need help.
Meet in a public place first. Take a few minutes to chat and feel confident you want to proceed before going somewhere private.
Think before accepting food or drink. Unless you've seen them prepare it - it's best not to accept to avoid being spiked.
If an emergency unfolds, call 999. If something happens - report it!
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