Updated 6.00pm

THE EASONS FLAGSHIP shop on Dublin’s O’Connell Street had to be evacuated this evening.

Customers were told to leave the building shortly after 5pm.

It is understood that a bomb threat had been received.

Armed gardaí attended the scene, and it is believed that a search was carried out.

Following the search, staff were permitted to re-enter the building just after half 5.

A garda spokesperson confirmed that they were satisfied that the call was a hoax, but the sweep was carried out as a precautionary measure.