Gardaí arrest suspect after ‘awful random attack’ leaves three injured in Dublin
Gardaí in Dublin have arrested a man after a serious incident in the Stoneybatter area of the city. Picture: Damien Storan.
Three people have been injured in what the Justice Minister has called an “awful random attack” in Dublin city on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing incident in Stoneybatter before 3pm.
A man, understood to be from a South American country but not an international protection applicant, is currently being detained in relation to the incident under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the north of the city.
Earlier, gardaí had told the public that there was “no ongoing risk” to the public after he was apprehended.
The understands that gardaí believe psychiatric issues may be a factor in the random attacks and that no radical links are suspected.
Three men were assaulted in the incident and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Two are receiving treatment for serious but non-life threatening injuries, while the other has less serious injuries.
It is understood the man acted alone, has no history of radicalisation, and is thought to have been living rough and alone for a period.
Gardaí said that a number of scenes in the Stoneybatter area have been preserved for technical examination while all traffic restrictions have been lifted.
They also issued an appeal for any witnesses to come forward.
A spokesperson said: “Anyone who was in the Stoneybatter area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, who may have any video footage linked to this incident, is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridewell Garda Station on (01) 6668200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has said the victims of “this awful random attack” are receiving medical attention while the suspect is in custody.
“I am receiving updates from An Garda Síochána about the situation in Stoneybatter,” he said.
The Taoiseach wished those injured in the “shocking attacks” in Dublin a “full recovery”.
In a statement on X, Micheál Martin said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the shocking attacks in Stoneybatter earlier today.
“I want to pay tribute to the Gardai and emergency services for their prompt response.
“I wish all those injured a full recovery and urge anyone with any information to contact Gardai.”
Our thoughts are with the victims of the shocking attacks in Stoneybatter earlier today.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 9, 2025
I want to pay tribute to the Gardai and emergency services for their prompt response.
I wish all those injured a full recovery and urge anyone with any information to contact Gardai.
In a post on X, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that gardaí and emergency services should be commended for their response to the incident.
“Terrible news from Stoneybatter this afternoon,” she said. “My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock.”
Terrible news from Stoneybatter this afternoon. My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 9, 2025
The Gardaí and emergency services are to be commended for their response.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon also extended his praise for gardaí and their quick response to the incident.
"Heartbreaking news from Stoneybatter in the last few hours. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this."
Heartbreaking news from Stoneybatter in the last few hours. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this.
— Gary Gannon TD (@GaryGannonTD) February 9, 2025
A sincere thank you to our emergency services and the Gardaí for such a quick response this afternoon.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
