Gardaí have launched a murder investigation following the fatal stabbing of a man in his 30s in Dublin city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The incident occurred on South Anne Street/Duke Lane Upper, just off Grafton Street, shortly after 3:00am. Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of a serious assault, where they found a man with critical injuries. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, he was later pronounced dead at St James’s Hospital.
A second man, also in his 30s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and is receiving treatment.
The scene has been preserved for forensic examination, and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to oversee the inquiry. The Office of the State Pathologist and the local Coroner have been notified.
It has been reported that the attack followed a row between two groups who had been out socialising. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were in the area between 2:45am and 3:30am, particularly those with mobile phone footage or dash-cam recordings from Dawson Street and St Stephen’s Green.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
POLITICAL REACTION
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan expressed concern over the attack, and said that making the city feel safe was his “priority”.
“An Garda Síochána are keeping me updated on the shocking incident which occurred early this morning on Dawson Street. Dubliners deserve to feel safe in our city. That’s a priority,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s justice spokesman Matt Carthy described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and called for increased Garda presence in Dublin.
“There is a serious problem in relation to public safety in Dublin city centre. There are not enough gardaí on the streets,” he said, uring Minister O’Callaghan to implement an urgent plan to improve security in the city.
Gardaí continue to investigate the incident, and further updates are expected as inquiries progress.