Dublin stabbings - latest: Workers told to stay away as riots break out across city

People in Dublin have been urged to work from home today after violent riots broke out across the city over a knife attack that left at least five people injured.

Police said “significant levels” of public disorder and criminal damage were carried out with trams, buses, cars and other public properties set on fire during the clashes.

Labelling them “disgraceful scenes”, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a “complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology” is behind disorder in the capital.

This comes after an attack unfolded shortly after 1.30pm in Parnell Square East, near the Irish-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire, which left five people injured.

The casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male. Two girls are receiving treatment for serious injuries, while a five-year-old boy has been discharged. Both adults remain in hospital after suffering serious wounds.

Police believe the attack was a “standalone” incident and is not terror-related. The scene remains cordoned off, while a man in his 50s has been arrested and named as a “person of interest” in the investigation.

Key Points

• People told to work from home after riots

• Girl, five, among those injured in attack

• Protestors fire flares and fireworks as violent scenes unfold

• Police chief says protests ‘driven by far-right ideology’

• Attack believed to be a ‘standalone’ incident

Calls for calm amid ‘disgraceful scenes’ after children injured in knife attack

04:00 , Holly Evans

Police and politicians have called for calm amid warnings against misinformation as violence broke out in Dublin following a knife attack on a woman and three young children near a school.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee labelled the scenes in the city centre “intolerable”, and said a “thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc”.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a “complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology” is behind disorder in the capital.

Read more here

Calls for calm amid ‘disgraceful scenes’ after children injured in knife attack

More than 400 officers deployed to calm the unrest

03:28 , Shweta Sharma

Police said more than 400 officers in riot gear were deployed to control the violent protests after a stabbing incident that left five injured.

A police cordon was also set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were in nearby Grafton Street.

Violent clashes on the streets saw people setting fire to police vehicles, buses, cars and trams, causing disruption of all the public transport services.

Shop windows were routinely smashed and a Foot Locker store was looted. All public transport in the city — trams and buses — was suspended and many firms have urged their staff to work from home on Friday.

Dublin city centre ‘calm and returning to normal'

03:18 , Shweta Sharma

In a video statement, chief superintendent Patrick McMenamin said police forces are on patrol on the streets after the situation returned to normal in Dublin city centre.

“Dublin city centre is now calm and returning to normal,” he said, adding that Gardaí remained on patrol in the city centre.

He said “significant levels” of public disorder and criminal damage were carried out by small groups of “violent individuals”.

“Public Transport was attacked, Garda vehicles were damaged and some commercial businesses were attacked,” he said.

“Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported by the public as a result of tonight’s violence.

“Some of my colleagues were attacked and assaulted, thankfully none were seriously injured and I commend them all on their bravery to protect our community.”

Police identify man in his 50s as person of interest

03:05 , Shweta Sharma

Dublin police have said a man in his 50s is a “person of interest” in their investigation into the stabbing incident that triggered violent riots in the city.

The male is also being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in the Dublin region.

No other details about his identity were revealed.

But police said they are not looking for any other person at this time.

Five-year-old girl left with serious injuries after suspected Dublin stabbing

03:00 , Holly Evans

‘Complete lunatic faction’ responsible for violence

02:00 , Holly Evans

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a “complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology” is behind disorder in Dublin this evening.

He said a number of Garda vehicles have been damaged.

“I think there’s disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence,” he told media during a press conference at Mountjoy Garda Station.

“We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

“We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. I’ve given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.”

Pictures of riots breaking out in Dublin

01:00 , Holly Evans

Riots in Dublin after children and woman injured in knife attack

00:00 , Holly Evans

Clashes have broken out in Dublin city centre between police and far-right protesters after five people, including three children were stabbed in an “appalling attack” on Thursday afternoon.

The suspected knife attack happened outside a primary school in the bustling Parnell Square East on the north side of the Irish capital shortly after 1.30pm.

A woman in her 30s and a man in his 50s remain in hospital with serious injuries while a five-year-old girl is receiving emergency medical treatment at a children’s hospital in Temple Street.

Read the full article here

Riots in Dublin after children and woman injured in knife attack

Police urge public not to listen to 'misinformation and rumour'

Thursday 23 November 2023 23:00 , Holly Evans

Trinity College Dublin closes its gates

Thursday 23 November 2023 22:30 , Holly Evans

Due to the ongoing violence in the centre of the city, police have instructed Trinity College Dublin to close “all gates”.

In a post on social media, they said: “Because of the disturbances in Dublin city centre Gardai have instructed Trinity College Dublin @tcddublin to close all gates. Kinsella Hall, GMB and 1937 Reading Room remain open to keep students safe. Please stay safe. We will keep you updated.”

Dublin bus engulfed in flames as riots break out after attack in Parnell Square

Thursday 23 November 2023 22:00 , Holly Evans

Dublin bus engulfed in flames as riots break out after attack in Parnell Square

Violence causes disruption to pedestrians and vehicles

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:40 , Holly Evans

The violence in Dublin city centre has caused severe disruption for vehicles and pedestrians.

Roads around the O’Connell Street have been blocked by public-order gardai.

On a nearby bridge over the River Liffey from Tara Street, protesters blocked the road with construction signs and barriers.

A traffic light was also smashed at the gridlocked junction.

Public transport in Dublin suspended

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:20 , Holly Evans

Tram services in Dublin city centre have been suspended, operator Luas has confirmed on social media.

The Dublin Bus service has also told customers that none of its vehicles are running via Parnell Square East or O’Connell Street - areas where clashes have been reported.

Luas tram up in flames amid disorder in Dublin

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:06 , Holly Evans

Ambulance service 'extremely busy'

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:05 , Holly Evans

Dublin Fire Brigade’s Ambulance Service says on social media that it is “extremely busy tonight”, and asks for patience as it deals “with the most serious illnesses and injuries first”.

It warns that those needing non-life-threatening treatment could face “substantial” waiting times.

Images showing military vehicles on fire have ‘no connection’ to riots

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:59 , Alexander Butler

Images showing Irish military vehicles on fire have “no connection” to ongoing riots in Dublin this evening, the Irish Defence Forces have warned.

“Images circulating of Defence Forces vehicles in Dublin City Centre are not from this evening, but from a separate routine operation and have no connection to this evening’s events.

“We ask everyone to be sensitive to the spreading disinformation, and to take care,” the forces said on X, formerly Twitter.

Pictured: Cars and buses on fire in Dublin

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:48 , Alexander Butler

Rioters loot shoe shop

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:40 , Alexander Butler

Rioters have looted a Foot Locker shop on a famous Dublins street, according to reports.

People were seen throwing bottles at gardai as others carried metal bars and smashed shop windows.

In a series of co-ordinated presses, gardai dispersed a large portion of the crowd onto nearby roads. Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a garda helicopter is monitoring the situation overhead.

‘Wanton violence’: Irish deputy prime minister condemns protests

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:25 , Alexander Butler

The Tánaiste has condemnded violent protests in Dublin as “wanton violence” and said they were “completely unacceptable”.

Micheál Martin added that the anger at today’s attack was understandable but it was important to allow gardaí to get on with the investigation.

Mr Martin previously said he was “deeply shocked” by the stabbings in Dublin and his thoughts and prayers were with those affected.

A bus is set on fire on O’Connell Bridge in city centre

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:03 , Holly Evans

A bus and car are on fire on O’Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre as disorder continues on Thursday night after three children and a woman were attacked near a school earlier in the day.

A fire has also broken out inside a damaged Luas tram as violence continues on O’Connell Street.

Violence erupts in Dublin after children seriously injured in city centre stabbing

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:53 , Holly Evans

Irish justice minister condemns ‘thuggish’ few spreading division

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:51 , Holly Evans

In a statement, Irish justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The horrific attack today in Dublin city centre was an appalling crime that has shocked us all.

“An Garda Siochana are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else regarding this crime. The perpetrator will be brought to justice.

“However, the scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city centre cannot and will not be tolerated. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

“I have spoken to local TDs from all sides of the Dail and we are of the same view. We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division.

“I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work – attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

“I am meeting the Garda Commissioner this evening to discuss the policing plan in the city tonight. Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations take their course.”

Protesters attack tram and set cars alight

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:38 , Holly Evans

Rioters have attacked a Luas tram on O’Connell Street, smashing several of its windows, while several police vehicles have been torched.

Garda commissioner warns against rumours being spread for ‘malevolent purposes'

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:34 , Holly Evans

Speaking to reporters, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris warned against rumours and speculation regarding the attack.

He said: “We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. I’ve given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

“The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes.”

Police chief says protests ‘driven by far-right ideology’

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:27 , Holly Evans

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a “complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology” is behind disorder in Dublin this evening.

He said a number of Garda vehicles have been damaged.

“I think there’s disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence,” he told media during a press conference at Mountjoy Garda Station.

“We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

Garda Commissioner condemns ‘disgraceful’ protests

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:22 , Holly Evans

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described “disgraceful scenes” in Dublin on Thursday night as he called for “calm heads” and warned against “misinformation” as violence flared following an attack outside a school.

Teachers’ union says thoughts with school

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:10 , Holly Evans

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation says its hearts are with the entire school community of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire “following the horrendous incident that has taken place today”.

“We are thinking of the children, their families and the school’s staff during this unimaginably difficult time,” the statement adds.

The Irish-medium school has around 172 pupils and is based in a four-storey Georgian building.

Pictures of protesters

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:08 , Holly Evans

Protestors fire flares and fireworks

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:57 , Holly Evans

Protesters are firing flares and fireworks at the Garda cordon in Dublin, while a car has also been set on fire.

Gardai with shields have been fending off violent demonstrators attempting to kick and punch them.

Many of those attacking gardai have hoods up and their faces covered.

Violent scenes unfolding near police cordon

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:50 , Holly Evans

Violent scenes are unfolding close to the site of the attack in Dublin city centre as crowds of protesters gathered.

A Garda public order unit has been deployed in the area around Parnell Square, Parnell Street and O’Connell Street.

Some protesters have been involved in scuffles with gardai while others threw bottles at officers.

Children reportedly queuing for after-school care when attack unfolded

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:22 , Holly Evans

Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock was in the area after the incident and says the children who were stabbed were queueing up to go to after-school care when they were attacked.

“Today is a harrowing day,” she told the BBC.

“Our thoughts are with all the whole school community.

“While it is all very real today, I think the impact of the trauma tomorrow, next week and the time after is really going to be very difficult.”

Attack believed to be a ‘standalone’ incident

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:04 , Holly Evans

Moving to reassure the public, Supt Geraghty said: “I don’t have a specific reason why the children or any of their carers or teachers may have been on the street but it’s a public road, it’s outside their school, it’s a normal activity for them to be going to or from their school. We need to determine the reasons behind the attack.”

Supt Geraghty reiterates that gardaí believe it was a standalone incident unconnected to any “wider issues in the country or the city”.

He appeals to people not to jump to conclusions and not to “make rash judgements on what may have happened”.

Parents of children involved were made aware ‘very quickly’

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:56 , Holly Evans

Superintendent Liam Geraghty said the parents of the children involved in the Dublin incident were aware of the incident very quickly.

“We are dealing, not just with the parents of the three children, but parents of the wider group that would have seen and potentially be traumatised as a result of what happened this afternoon,” the Garda officer said.

“My understanding is that the first emergency services were ambulances, and they were there within minutes, followed by An Garda Siochana.

“My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves.

Police are appealing for mobile phone footage

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:53 , Holly Evans

Superintendent Liam Geraghty says Gardai are appealing to anyone with information or mobile phone footage to contact them and “make this footage available to An Garda Síochána”.

Police do not believe attack was 'terror related'

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:46 , Holly Evans

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Superintendent Liam Geraghty said An Garda Siochana “continues to have an open mind at this early stage of the investigation”, but are satisfied there is no terrorist link.

“This is a very early stage of the investigation which is not even four hours old at this stage, but at this time An Garda Siochana is satisfied from our inquiries that there is no terror-related activity or related to any wider aspects in relation to this matter,” he said.

“It would appear to be a standalone attack, and we need to determine the reasons behind that.”

Supt Geraghty said his understanding is that a knife was used in the attack, but he could not provide more detail on the nature of the injuries.

Man in his 50s is a ‘person of interest’

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:37 , Holly Evans

Superintendent Liam Geraghty told a press conference that an examination of the scene remains onoing, and that a man in his 50s is a person of interest.

He said: “The scene remains sealed off at this time and a technical examination of the scene is ongoing.

“An incident room has been established at Mountjoy Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed.

“An Garda Siochana is following a definite line of inquiry.

“The male in his 50s is a person of interest to An Garda Siochana in this investigation and An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other person at this time.”

One child discharged while three others remain in hospital

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:33 , Holly Evans

A boy who is five and a girl who is six were taken to CHI Crumlin with less serious injuries and the boy has already been discharged, Supt Liam Geraghty told reporters.

An adult woman in her 30s is being treated for serious injuries at the Mater Hospital.

An adult man in his 50s is being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in the Dublin region.

Girl, five, among those injured in attack

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:23 , Holly Evans

A five-year-old girl is receiving emergency medical treatment following a serious assault in Dublin city centre, Irish police have said

Superintendent Liam Geraghty said: “An Garda Siochana continue to investigate all of the circumstances of a serious assault which occurred on Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon.

“Preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

“Five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region.

“These casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male.

“One girl, aged five years, has sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in CHI Temple Street.”

Attack happened outside a primary school

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:21 , Holly Evans

The scene of the incident is close to Irish language-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

The school has 172 pupils and is based in a four-storey Georgian building, with some accounts saying that the attack occurred as children were emerging onto the street.

The knife was thrown under trees on the opposite side of the road outside the Rotunda hospital, the Irish Times reported.

Dublin mayor describes attack on innocent children as ‘evil'

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:07 , Holly Evans

In a statement posted on social media, Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste said: “On behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, I want to express my complete shock and sadness at the attack in Parnell Square today.

“To think that evil like this could happen, particularly to innocent children, is just devastating.

“The thoughts of our city are with the families involved this evening and, like everyone else, I am praying that these children and the adult involved will make a full recovery.

“I want to thank the brave members of the public who assisted at the scene, the emergency services who responded within minutes and the hospital staff who are caring for those attacked.”

Sinn Fein president says community is ‘stunned and horrified’

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:53 , Holly Evans

Speaking at the scene of a stabbing attack in Dublin, Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald said children who witnessed what happened have been traumatised.

“Our heart goes out to the whole school community, to the children, the parents, the teachers,” she said.

“I know that the gardai acted very swiftly in this matter, but this is certainly the last thing that any of us expected on a Thursday afternoon where children should come safely from school and be collected by their parents.

“I pray the injured make a full recovery.

“The community is stunned, stunned and horrified.”

More pictures from the scene in Dublin

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:43 , Holly Evans

Sinn Fein leader says incident is ‘beyond words’

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:35 , Holly Evans

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident in Dublin city centre had caused “shock and horror”.

In a social media post, Mrs McDonald said: “Violent attack at Gael Cholaiste Mhuire Parnell Square has sent shock and horror throughout the community.

“My heart goes out to all the hurt and injured, the parents, teachers but especially the children who have been so traumatised.

“This is beyond words.”

Witness saw man making a ‘stabbing motion’ towards children with a knife

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:22 , Holly Evans

Siobhan Kearney said she witnessed what she believes was a man attacking children during an incident in Dublin.

She described what she saw as “absolutely bedlam”.

Ms Kearney told RTE she watched people disarm a man who she said had a knife.

“I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children so I flew across the road.

“The man was after stabbing two children as far as I could make out, and we got the children up to the left with the women that were there, and the teachers I presume,” she told the broadcaster.

“People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man, and then about three minutes later the ambulance came for the children and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.”

Deputy premier says he is ‘deeply shocked’ at incident

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:15 , Holly Evans

Ireland’s deputy premier Micheal Martin said he is “deeply shocked” at a serious incident in Dublin which he said has left several people injured, including a woman and a number of children.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured, their families, friends and the emergency services who responded so quicky at the scene,” he posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Several children injured after ‘stabbing near school’ in Dublin city centre

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:12 , Holly Evans

A woman and three young children have been injured in an “appalling attack” in Dublin city centre, as emergency services respond to the major incident in a busy shopping street.

The stabbing happened in the bustling Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm on the north side of the Irish capital.

The woman and one of the children, a girl, are in hospital in a serious condition. A man and the two other children have been taken to hospital sustained less serious injuries, the Irish police force, the Garda, has said.

Read the full article from Alex Ross here

Several children injured after ‘stabbing near school’ in Dublin city centre

Angry scenes break out near police cordon

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:08 , Holly Evans

A crowd has gathered at the cordon on Parnell Square East amid angry scenes.

Some members of the public are shouting abuse towards gardai.

Where did the incident take place?

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:05 , Holly Evans

The incident took place shortly after 1.30pm in Parnell Square East, which is based in the north side of Ireland’s capital Dublin.

Irish minister says ‘thoughts and prayers’ with the victims

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:58 , Holly Evans

Irish Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said his thoughts and prayers are with the victims of a “very serious incident” in his Dublin Central constituency.

“I am aware of an extremely serious incident that has taken place at Parnell Square in my constituency of Dublin Central,” he said.

“My thought and prayers are with the victims of this very serious incident, and their families.

“Anyone with information is being asked to contact Store Street police station.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says gardai have detained a suspect

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:55 , Holly Evans

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said gardai have detained a suspect following the incident in Dublin city centre.

“We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square,” the Irish premier said.

“A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.

“I have been in contact with the Minister for Justice who is keeping me updated. The facts in this matter are still emerging.

“The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that.

“Gardai have detained a suspect and are following a definite line of inquiry.”

Pictures from the scene

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:50 , Holly Evans

Irish justice minister says she is ‘deeply shocked’ by attack

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:41 , Holly Evans

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was “deeply shocked” by the “appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman” in Dublin city centre.

Ms McEntee said: “All our thoughts are with those injured, especially with the children, their parents and families, during this extremely difficult period.

“I have been briefed by the Garda Commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior Gardai.

“It is my understanding that Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for any other person at this time.

“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.”

Garda police following a ‘definite line of inquiry’

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:38 , Holly Evans

Irish police said they are following a “definite line of inquiry” following the serious incident in Dublin city centre.

A Garda spokesperson also said they were not looking for any other person at this time.

An adult female is being treated for serious injuries and an adult male for less serious injuries.

The scene at Parnell Square East remains sealed off.

Five people have been taken to hospital

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:31 , Holly Evans

Irish police said there have been five people injured, including three young children, following the serious public order incident which occurred on Parnell Square East in Dublin shortly after 1.30pm.

A Garda 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.”

Welcome to our live coverage

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:31 , Holly Evans

Welcome to our live coverage after an attack in Dublin city centre left five people with serious injuries, including three children.

We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates here.