Gardaí have sought the assistance of the public in identifying a man who was left fighting for life after a violent attack in Temple Bar, receiving horrific facial wounds during the assault.
Gardaí have so far been unable to confirm the victim’s identity due to the catastrophic nature of the injuries to his face. The victim has a tattoo on the inside of his right forearm, featuring a blue and white flag with the words ‘Ceol is Beatha’, which means ‘music and life’ or ‘music is life’.
The man was smashed into the face with his own e-scooter while he lay on the ground unconscious during the horror attack in the Temple Bar area in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Gardaí say they are hunting for two men involved in the serious assault and are reviewing CCTV in the area to identify the attackers.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Cope Street at around 12.30am on Wednesday, and the victim was taken to St James’ Hospital. He was later transferred to Beaumont Hospital due to the severity of his injuries, where he remains there in a critical condition.
Gardaí believe the man was attacked on Cope Street by two men who knocked him to the ground and then smashed the victim’s e-scooter into his head causing catastrophic injuries.
The Irish Independent reports that it is understood “the attackers left the victim but one returned a short time later and snapped the injured male’s arm as he lay defenceless on the ground.”
AGS said in a statement that:”Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following 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 his condition is described as critical.
“Gardaí have sought 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 this 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.
“Anyone with camera footage (including mobile phone and dash-cam footage) is asked to make it available.
“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.