Five stabbed at party as feud erupts

BIRTHDAY celebrations ended in a bloodbath yesterday after the birthday boy, his father and three friends — two aged just 16 — were stabbed in a frenzied attack.

Gardaí said the stabbings at a house in west Tallaght, Dublin, appeared to stem from a long-running feud between two local families.

All of the victims are expected to survive.

Doctors said a 20-year-old received the most serious injuries. He had to undergo surgery after he was stabbed twice in the stomach.

The youth celebrating his 18th birthday was lucky to escape with his life after the knife missed his heart.

Two 16-year-olds were stabbed in the stomach but are recovering.

A 45-year-old man, the father of the 18-year-old, was also stabbed and had to receive four units of blood.

The suspected attacker received head injuries after he was struck with a heavy wooden object, thought to be a cricket bat.

While the five stab victims were taken to Tallaght Hospital, the suspected attacker was brought to St James’s Hospital.

Gardaí said this was done to keep the two feuding sides apart.

There have been repeated confrontations at the house on Deerpark Avenue, Kiltipper in Tallaght.

Gardaí have called to the house on a number of occasions after being alerted by neighbours to rowdy parties there.

The stabbings took place shortly after 4am when a man in his 40s called to the house.

He became involved in a row with some of the occupants. Gardaí said it was not clear if he came armed with a knife or if he took a knife from someone at the party.

Some of stabbing victims collapsed on the road outside and emergency services were contacted.

Garda sources said the suspected weapon had not yet been found.

Gardaí said the suspected attacker got a “belt in the head”, thought to be from a cricket bat.

A scan was carried out at St James’s Hospital, but doctors do not think he suffered a fracture.

He was kept in overnight for observation.

Gardaí were conducting door-to-door inquiries in the area yesterday, and senior officers are bracing themselves for further violence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 6666000 or the Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111.