A major security incident left several people, including at least three children, with injuries in Dublin’s north inner city. A person of interest has been identified and a large knife has been seized at the scene on Parnell Square East. Gardaí have sealed off the scene.
The Irish Times understands at least three children have suffered suspected stab wounds, though some sources said that number may rise as more information is confirmed. The chief suspect for the knife attack has been detained and had sustained wounds believed to be self-inflicted.
Early indications suggest a man tried to attack a number of young people, including children, and that passers-by intervened. However, children, in addition to a passer-by and a man restrained at the scene have been hospitalised with injuries, including stab injuries.
- The motive for the attack, which occurred close to a school on the street, has not been established, though gardaí said they are following a definite line of inquiry. The area has been sealed off as a crime scene and gardaí and paramedics quickly flooded in the street when the alarm was raised.
- Garda Headquarters said the “serious public order incident” occurred just after 1.30pm and that five injured people had been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region. “The casualties include an adult male, an adult female and three young children,” it said. “One child, a girl, has sustained serious injuries, the other two children are being treated for less serious injuries.
- Gardaí have been in contact with the parents of all three injured children. “The adult female is being treated for serious injuries and the adult male for less serious injuries,” the statement said.
- “An Garda Síochána is in contact with parents of all three injured children. The adult female is being treated for serious injuries and the adult male for less serious injuries.”
- The incident took place outside Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East as children were coming out of the school, which caters to primary-age children.
- One witness reported that a man was seen attacking a group of young people with a knife. The eyewitness to the incident reported that several individuals intervened and disarmed the man. Several eyewitnesses saw a large knife being taken from the suspected assailant and thrown into grass under trees on the opposite side of the road outside the Rotunda Hospital.
- Garda sources said the incident was being treated as a major security event, involving serious injury. A wide area on Parnell Square East has been declared a crime scene.
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