Garda stabbed multiple times in Dublin city centre in ‘shocking unprovoked attack’ – The Irish Times

A garda has suffered multiple stab wounds following a knife attack in Dublin city centre.

One man is in custody following the incident.

The garda, who was on routine high-visibility patrol in the city, suffered stab wounds to his side. He has been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The incident occurred on Capel Street at about 6pm when two gardaí responded to reports of a man armed with a large blade, believed to be a kitchen knife.

After a struggle the man was restrained by gardaí using their batons.

The suspect is understood to be an Irish citizen, having been born in Ireland.

In a statement, a Garda spokesman said the garda was subjected to an “unprovoked assault by a male” who was arrested at the scene.

The Taoiseach said he was “appalled by the shocking unprovoked attack on a Garda on duty on Capel Street in Dublin this evening”.

“My thoughts are with the injured garda and his colleagues at this time. I wish him a quick recovery,” he said, urging anyone with information to contact gardaí.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he has been briefed on the “appalling attack” on a garda.

“My thoughts are with the garda and I wish him a full recovery. Attacks on our gardaí are unacceptable and will never be tolerated,” he said.

The Garda Representative Association’s vice president Niall Hodgins extended “heartfelt wishes” to the injured member.

“This young probationary member was subject to a quite terrifying and unprovoked attack and only for his bravery and that of his colleagues this incident could have resulted in far worse and unthinkable consequences,” Mr Hodgins said.

The job of gardaí is “tough”, and members of the force “continually run towards situations that others must flee from”.

“There is never, ever, an excuse for being exposed to such acts of random violence. The attacks being visited upon our members is shocking and we will never accept that being assaulted is being part of our job,” he said.

“More needs to be done to create a safer working environment where the risk of assault is reduced.”