Man dies as Chinese gangs wage pitched battle
The 50-strong group, who had just spent the night together celebrating a cultural event, fought with butcher's knives, cleavers, machetes and a pistol.
Gardai believe the two gangs had organised the fight beforehand and came armed.
"Judging by the amount of weapons seized they did come prepared for an altercation," said Chief Supt Al McHugh of Store Street Station.
He said the group of 50 Chinese nationals left the Parnell Mooney pub on Parnell Street after enjoying a cultural night together.
"Sometime between 1.30am and 2am, this group walked along Parnell Street into O'Connell Street. Near the junction of Cathal Brugha Street, this group broke into two sub-groups. A melee then ensued with knives, cleavers and machetes being used."
He said gardaí were trying, with the help of the Chinese community, to establish the reason behind the battle. He described the Chinese community as generally hard-working and law-abiding. Chief Supt McHugh said most of the gang members fled when gardai arrived. Two men appeared in court later yesterday. Wen Xion Zheng, 20, and Xiu Chun Wang, 26, were each charged with possession of a knife. Both men, who live in Dublin, were remanded in custody by Dublin District Court. Three men who were arrested in the vicinity of the fight were last night being detained at Store Street Garda Station where they were being questioned about possible immigration offences, a police spokesman said.
Another man, also arrested in the area, faced Dublin District Court separately yesterday, on immigration charges for failing to give his identity. Detectives are seeking the remaining gang members and expect to charge more people with more serious offences in the coming days and weeks.
Nine knives, including cleavers and machetes, found or seized at the scene were being examined yesterday. Chief Supt McHugh described the knives, bearing the company names Victorinox or Bachmyer, as professional catering equipment, and said they were either new or unused. Gardaí are also examining what appeared to be a Walter PPK pistol found at the scene.
Chief Supt McHugh said two men were taken to nearby Mater Hospital, where one was pronounced dead on arrival. His throat had been cut. The second man underwent surgery and his condition was said to be serious.
A third man was later admitted to St James' Hospital with serious head injuries and also underwent surgery.
Chief Supt McHugh said there was no evidence to indicate that organised Chinese criminal gangs, such as triads, were involved. He pointed out that those involved were young, in their late teens to mid to late 20s, and that at least some were attending language schools in the city.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone in the O'Connell Street area at the time, and any store that may have sold the knives, to contact the incident room in Store Street at 01 6668666.
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