Gardaí say they have identified man they wish to talk to about serious Clondalkin assault 

One of the two victims is in a critical condition after the assault in the Grange View Way area at around 10pm on Saturday

The two men were assaulted shortly after they got off a Number 13 bus that had come from Clondalkin village towards the Bawnogue direction. Stock picture

Gardaí are satisfied they have identified a young man they wish to talk to in relation to an assault in Clondalkin that has left a victim fighting for his life.

Detectives suspect the life-threatening injury may have been the result of a one-punch attack, rather than a sustained assault involving multiple blows.

It is thought the victim suffered the major head injury as a result of his head hitting the ground after he was struck. Officers believe there was “not much” behind the attack and that it may have just stemmed from “words being passed” between people.

The victim and a friend, both understood to be from Croatia, were attacked in Clondalkin, west Dublin, late on Saturday, by four young men. It is understood the four suspects are from the Clondalkin area.

One of the victims, aged in his 30s, is receiving care in Tallaght Hospital, where his condition is described as critical. The second victim was not seriously injured.

The assault occurred outside a house in the Grange View Way area at around 10pm on Saturday. The two men had just got off a Number 13 bus from Clondalkin village towards the Bawnogue direction.

It is thought they got into a verbal row of sorts on Tower Rd in the village before getting the bus. After they exited the bus they walked home and were attacked. It is not clear if they were followed.

Gardaí issued two appeals, the second on Monday, in which they asked to speak to a “young male” who had presented himself at Clondalkin Garda Station on Saturday at 10.30pm shortly after the attack. 

It is understood that following this appeal gardaí have been able to identify the person. 

Sources said this has aided the investigation and believe they are in a position to progress their inquiries.

Gardaí said a lot of work has been conducted in relation to examination of CCTV in the various areas. 

Gardaí have no reason, as of yet, to suspect there was a hate or racist motivation involved.

They say the investigation will try and determine the motive, and will take into account what the second victim believes motivated the attack, or if anything of relevance was said during the encounters with the suspects.