Teen arrested in connection with incident where gay men 'hunted down' by gang

21/06/'24 The Garda logo at the entrance to Garda Head Quarters, Phoenix Park...Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Gardaí investigating a series of incidents of violent disorder in Dublin's Phoenix Park have arrested a male teenager.

It was claimed in the Seanad earlier this week that three gay men were “hunted down” by a group carrying knives while walking in the Park on Monday, June 17.

Having initially investigated the allegations, a search of the area was undertaken by gardaí.

Following on from further enquiries, gardaí identified a suspect.

The man, aged in his late teens, was arrested on suspicion of committing an offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act, 1997 and is detained at a garda station.

He has been charged and will appear before the courts tomorrow morning, Monday 24th June 2024.

Investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána takes any crime or incident, with a hate motivation, seriously, and incidents reported to us are professionally investigated.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with direct knowledge or who has been a victim of such an incident in the area to contact An Garda Síochána either at Cabra Garda Station on 01 666 7400, the Diversity Unit at the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau on 01 666 3150 or through an advocacy group.

"Following the reports of this alleged incident, An Garda Síochána through the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau and Community Policing Unit in Cabra Garda Station has been in contact with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups."