Boy, 11, hospitalised after stabbing incident at primary school in north Dublin

Gardaí responded to the incident, which involved two children who both attend the school.  Picture: Denis Minihane

An investigation is under way after a pupil at a primary school in Dublin was injured in a suspected stabbing attack.

Gardaí believe the attack was carried out by another pupil at the school and have sealed off the area for a full investigation.

The boy, aged 11, has been taken from the school to hospital for treatment, where his injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.

Authorities have contacted the parents of both children and are working with school management and staff to determine the cause of the incident.

Both children are under 14 and, therefore, below the age of criminal responsibility. They boys are known to each other and are believed to have had a challenging relationship recently.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: “Gardaí attended an incident that occurred at a primary school in north Dublin involving two children. Both children involved attend the school.

“One male child has been taken to a hospital in Dublin with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening. Gardaí are in contact with the parents of both children.

“An Garda Síochána is currently liaising with school management and staff with a view to identifying the precise circumstances around the incident.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to engage with all relevant State agencies regarding this incident. There is no concern for public safety.”

Local TD Dessie Ellis, who knows the school where the suspected stabbing took place, said that the community is reeling from the news.

“People are shocked that this could happen in a school where people feel safe and people feel that their kids are safe,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“Thanks be to God it doesn't appear to be life-threatening and that's the hope here.

“But it's just terrible that something like this should happen.

“Everyone is sympathetic towards the family and the child and hope that that child recovers quickly.” 

Mr Ellis said that there was still speculation locally as to whether the weapon used was a knife or another implement and whether the incident took place inside the school or in the yard.

"But the use of any weapon, no matter what it is, any sort of a weapon is a very worrying thing," he said.

"I know the school fairly well, there are no problems generally in there and it's just a major surprise that something like this has happened."

Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Keith Connolly said that the school has now implemented a critical incident plan which includes counselling for children who are impacted by the incident.

"There's huge shock locally," Mr Connolly said.

“These are both minors.”