Gardaí are continuing to investigate all aspects of what has been described as a “serious incident” that took place on Sunday afternoon.
Yesterday at 3:38 p.m., Gardaí reported that a “serious incident” had happened in the Stoneybatter area of Dublin. It later emerged that a man in his late 20s has been arrested and, according to the latest update from authorities, remains in custody at a Garda station in the North City under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Three men, aged between their mid-20s and mid-40s, were injured in the incident and taken to hospital for treatment. Two sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the third had more minor wounds. RTÉ reports that the wounds were of a “slashing” nature.
Information continues to emerge about the incident. However, a number of politicians have taken to social media to react to yesterday’s scenes.
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN OFFERS “THOUGHTS” TO THE VICTIMS
Around 7:43 p.m., Taoiseach Micheál Martin offered his “thoughts” to the victims wounded in the incident, calling on people to come to Gardaí if they had “any information” on what he called “shocking attacks”.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of the shocking attacks in Stoneybatter earlier today,” he said.
“I want to pay tribute to the Gardai and emergency services for their prompt response.
“I wish all those injured a full recovery and urge anyone with any information to contact Gardai.”
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS: “SUCH A FRIGHTENING TIME”
Meanwhile, at 8:15 p.m., Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “thinking of the community” affected by the attack, and hailed the quick Garda response “at such a frightening time”.
“Thinking of the community of Stoneybatter this evening and thinking most particularly of those who were violently attacked and of their families,” he said.
“Glad to hear of such a speedy response from the Gardaí at such a frightening time.
“The full rigours of the law must and will apply.”
JUSTICE MINISTER JIM O’CALLAGHAN SAYS ATTACK WAS “RANDOM”
Around 5:09 p.m., within the first few hours of the incident taking place, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan claimed that the attack was “random” in nature.
“I am receiving updates from an Garda Siochana about the situation in Stoneybatter,” he said.
“The suspect is now in custody and the victims of this awful random attack are receiving medical attention.”
MARY LOU MCDONALD EXTENDS “THOUGHTS” TO THE VICTIMS
At 4:39 p.m., Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said her “thoughts” were with the victims, adding that “the community is in a state of shock”.
Notably, McDonald is a TD for the Dublin Central constituency, which contains Stoneybatter.
“Terrible news from Stoneybatter this afternoon,” she said.
“My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock.
“The Gardaí and emergency services are to be commended for their response.”
SOCIAL DEMOCRATS TD GARY GANNON DESCRIBES THE ATTACK AS “HEARTBREAKING”
At 5:19 p.m., Social Democrats Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon described the attack as “heartbreaking”.
“Heartbreaking news from Stoneybatter in the last few hours,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this.
A sincere thank you to our emergency services and the Gardaí for such a quick response this afternoon.”
LABOUR TD MARIE SHERLOCK “THINKING” OF VICTIMS
At 4:03 p.m., almost immediately after reports of the attack came in, Labour Party TD for Dublin Central Marie Sherlock said she was “thinking” of the victims.
“Awful news coming from Stoneybatter,” she said.
“Thinking of all those caught up in this horror.”