Foreign national ‘critical’ after young men assault four in city centre

AN African national was in a critical condition last night following a series of assaults in Dublin’s Temple Bar early yesterday.

The victim, aged in his 50s, received a number of kicks to his head as he lay on the ground while being attacked by two men.

A second non-national was beaten up when he went to the man’s aid. The attacked happened on Temple Bar Square early on Monday morning.

Afterwards, the two attackers walked the short distance to Crown Alley, where they assaulted two other men.

Gardaí investigating the rampage believe that other people were attacked by the duo.

Detectives are investigating if the first assault was racially motivated.

Two youths, from Ballyfermot, west Dublin, were arrested afterwards.

Detectives at Pearse Street Garda Station appealed yesterday for witnesses or any other person who was attacked to come forward.

A garda spokesman said the first victim was attacked on Temple Bar Square at 2.50am.

“A man who went to his assistance was then himself assaulted by the same two men,” he said.

The second man, Aidan Kelly from New Zealand, went to the man’s aid when he saw him lying on the ground after being kicked in the head.

The 23-year-old had his nose broken when he attempted to shield the man from the kicks with his body. He described the attack as “disgusting”.

The garda spokesman said that after this, the two attackers set upon two other people in Crown Alley.

Gardaí were alerted and the four victims were taken to hospital. The first two victims were treated in the Mater hospital.

Mr Kelly later discharged himself after receiving treatment. The African national remained in intensive care

The other two victims, one aged in his 20s and the other in his 50s, were brought to St James’s Hospital. The older man was placed on a ventilator. His condition improved yesterday and his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

A man appeared in court yesterday charged with assault. He was remanded in custody with consent to bail.

A second man is due to appear before Dublin District Court this morning.