Gardaí issue witness appeal after woman pushed into Dublin canal

A video that circulated on social media over the weekend shows two boys pushing the woman into the Royal Canal near Ashtown. Picture: PA

Gardaí in Dublin have issued an appeal for witnesses following an alleged hate crime at a Dublin canal. 

A video that circulated on social media over the weekend shows two boys pushing the woman into the Royal Canal near Ashtown after she challenged a group of young people about racial discrimination.

The woman was unhurt in the incident on Friday evening.

According to the gardaí, the incident occurred between Lock 11 and 12 of The Royal Canal, Dublin 15 on Friday evening, August 14 at around 7.25pm.

Investigating officers from Finglas Garda Station are calling on witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. 

Anyone with information can contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 6667500, the Garda Confidential line 1800 666111, or any Garda Station.

A Garda spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána is investigating a report of an alleged racially motivated incident which occurred on August 14 2020 in Dublin 15.

An Garda Síochána takes hate crime seriously and each and every hate crime reported to us is professionally investigated and victims supported during the criminal justice process.

“The Garda Diversity and Integration Strategy 2019–2021 has a significant focus on enhancing the identification, reporting, investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, and An Garda Síochána is taking actions to improve internal recording and encourage more reporting by the public.

“An Garda Síochána would encourage anyone who feels they have been the victim of a hate crime to report the matter directly to An Garda Siochana and not to third parties or on social media.”