‘Knives like fashion accessory’ warning as three stabbed

“Knives are carried too easily; they are nearly like a fashion accessory,” warned a councillor in Dundalk town after three people were hospitalised with stab wounds.

In the most serious incident, early yesterday morning, a 32-year-old man received what were at one point life-threatening injuries. He remains in a critical condition in hospital. A 20-year-old man, whom gardaí believe went to his assistance, was also stabbed.

A 31-year-old man was arrested and taken to Dundalk Garda Station, where he was questioned about the knife attack.

In a separate incident yesterday morning, gardaí were called to the Lios Dubh estate, where they found a 17-year-old with stab wounds. Another teenager who was at the scene was arrested and taken to Dundalk Garda Station for questioning.

Gardaí were trying to establish a motive for the attack yesterday.

Town councillor Kevin Meenan said: “The people of the town are in shock at these events. There is no known feud behind this and people are disgusted that Dundalk is in the news again for all the wrong reasons.”

Some people are “afraid to go out socialising in case they meet someone carrying a knife,” he said.

“Knives are carried too easily. They are nearly like a fashion accessory.”

A garda spokesman said they do not think the incidents are connected and they have recovered both of the knives used in both.

Meanwhile, the former Kildare footballer, Paul Cribbin, was hospitalised in Melbourne, Australia after an assault.

He had been out with fellow Collingwood international rookie Caolan Mooney when he was the subject of an “unprovoked attack” that left him with facial injuries and damage to his teeth.

Cribbin’s performances with St Mary’s, Edenderry and Kildare minors brought him to Collingwood’s attention. Having impressed in a trial in 2009, he joined the club 12 months later.