Five people, including three young children, have been injured in a serious incident in Dublin city centre, as emergency services respond to an “appalling atack” in a busy shopping street.
The stabbing took place in Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm on the north side of the Irish capital. An adult female and one of the children, a girl, have suffered serious injuries.
A male adult was also injured. The Irish police force, the Garda, has reportedly detained the suspect.
The Irish Minister for Justice Helen McEntee described the attack as “appalling” and said her thoughts were with “the innocent children and the woman attacked”
She said: “I have been briefed by the Garda Commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior gardaí.
“This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice. However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time.”
The Garda remain at the scene along with emergency services. A spokesperson said: “Five casualties have been taken to various hospitals in the Dublin region. The casualties include an adult male, an adult female and three young children.
“One child, a girl, has sustained serious injuries, the other two children are being treated for less serious injuries.
“An Garda Siochana is in contact with parents of all three injured children.”
The force added it was not looking for any person at this time with officers following a “definite line of inquiry” - and it is not being suspected as a terrorist act, with officers treating it as an isolated incident.
It happened close to Belvedere College, although there is no suggestion a student was injured.
Videos on social media show police officers stationed around police tape at the scene while members of the public standby.
A picture has also been posted showing more than three ambulances and seven police cars in a closed off section of Parnell Square East, which is a route for buses, the Luas tram and shoppers.
More follows on this breaking news story
