Gardaí are investigating a brutal attack on an Indian national by a gang of teenagers in south Dublin as a potential hate crime.
The victim, aged in his 40s, was seriously assaulted and suffered cuts to his head, just above his eyes, and to his hands, at around 6pm on Saturday.
The man appears to have been stripped of his trousers in the incident and purported photographs on him show bleeding and injuries on his face, arms and legs.
The incident happened along Parkhill Road, in Kilnamanagh, Tallaght.
It is understood hate motivation is one line of inquiry gardaí are investigating.
A woman, who posted a message on social media, said she was one of a number of people who came to his aid and called the emergency services.
She estimated the teenagers suspected of being involved in the attack were aged around 15 or 16.
She said there were older adults there who were claiming the victim had been engaged in lewd behaviour at a nearby playground and alleged that that was why he was attacked.
Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances behind the incident but sources have expressed serious doubt at these allegations.
A garda statement said: “Gardaí in Tallaght were alerted to an incident at Parkhill Road, Tallaght, on the evening of Saturday at approximately 6pm. Gardaí attended the scene and a male, aged in his 40s, was taken to Tallaght University Hospital with injuries.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station 01 666 6000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.”
Local People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said “The local community is in shock at this appalling attack. This appears to be the latest in a series of recent racially motivated attacks by a gang in the area. Those responsible must be found and stopped.”