Two under arrest as Gardaí release picture of assault victim's tattoo 

The man suffered extensive facial and head injuries in the assault, as well as a broken arm

Gardaí have not been able to identify the victim of an assault in Dublin and have released an image of the man's blue and white tattoo with the words ‘ceol is beatha’ – or ‘music is life’ – on his right arm. Picture: An Garda Síochána

Gardaí have arrested two men in relation to a serious assault on a man in Dublin’s Temple Bar earlier this week.

The sustained attack left the victim in a critical condition and he was placed in an induced coma in hospital. It is understood he came out of coma earlier today.

Gardaí have not been able to identify the victim and tonight released an image of the man's blue and white tattoo with the words ‘ceol is beatha’ – or ‘music is life’ – on his right arm.

Officers at Pearse Street Garda Station are investigating if the man may live abroad but is either from Ireland or has an Irish background.

The man, whose age is unknown, suffered extensive facial and head injuries in the assault, as well as a broken arm.

It is thought he was hit a number of times with the e-scooter that had been taken from him by his assailants.

The attack happened on Cope Street at around 12.30am on Wednesday.

He was discovered unconscious on the ground and was brought to Beaumont Hospital.

Two men being held for questioning

Garda HQ issued a statement on Friday night in which they released a photograph of the man’s tattoo in a bid to help identifying him.

It said: “Gardaí continue to investigate an incident of alleged assault that occurred at Cope Street, Dublin 2, on Wednesday 18th February 2026, at approximately 12:30am. A male (age unknown) is being treated at Beaumont Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

“Gardaí arrested two men in connection with this investigation this evening.

“The two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda Stations in Dublin.” 

The statement said gardaí continue to seek the assistance of the public in identifying the victim who has a tattoo on the inside of his right forearm. The tattoo is described as a blue and white flag with the words ‘Ceol is Beatha’, meaning ‘music is life’.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact them. Anyone who was in the area of Cope Street between midnight and 1:00am, and who may have any information about the incident is asked to contact investigating Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.