French student stabbed and left for dead was ‘victim of a vicious robbery’

THE young French student stabbed at an apartment complex in Dublin midweek, was the victim of a robbery, gardaí said yesterday.

Barbara Riouall, 23, who sustained multiple injuries, yesterday told gardaí she did not know her attacker.

Supt Eddie Quirke, leading the investigation, said the young woman’s condition is improving. Her parents, having travelled from the south of France, are at her bedside.

She was stabbed several times by a man around the throat, back and arms at Bertram Court, near Christchurch, around 7.15pm last Tuesday.

Supt Quirke said it appeared that a vicious robbery was the motive for the attack.

He added that he was hopeful of catching the attacker with the assistance of the public.

The attacker is described as being in his mid 20s, 5”8 to 5”10 in height and with blonde hair. He wore a blue jacket, green jumper and dark trousers and carried a canvas-style bag.

Superintendent Quirke said the man had approached the apartment complex from the James Street/Thomas Street direction and ran afterwards along Bridge Street towards the Quays.

Gardaí are considering making public local CCTV footage which may help to track her attacker. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Ms Riouall, a third-year student at the Dublin Business School in Aungier Street, was stabbed a number of times and left on the doorstep of the 142-unit apartment complex with severe injuries.

She was stabbed in her hands and arms and also had wounds to her back. It is believed an attempt had been made to slit her throat.

Until yesterday, Ms Riouall was on the critical list at St James’s Hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01-666 9400.