Dublin riot sees clashes with police after five hurt in stabbings

The streets of Dublin erupted into chaos following a disturbing knife attack that left several, including three children, injured. The incident, occurring outside Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school, led to severe injuries for a five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s, with a man in his 40s also seriously hurt.

The subsequent disorder, marked by vandalism and violence, was attributed by Drew Harris, head of An Garda Síochána, to a faction driven by a far-right ideology. Despite the unrest, the situation has now calmed, with the police maintaining vigilance across the city.

The aftermath saw riot police intervening as protesters gathered near the attack site. Streets became the center of mayhem, with vehicles set ablaze, shops looted, and windows smashed. Amidst this chaos, Trinity College went into lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Amid the ongoing investigation, authorities emphasized that the motive behind the attack remains unclear, debunking any terror-related links and identifying it as a "standalone attack."

The gravity of the situation was acknowledged by various figures, including Irish President Michael D Higgins, who condemned any attempts to manipulate the incident for divisive agendas. Additionally, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation expressed solidarity with the affected school community.

The aftermath of such a shocking event has sparked reactions of shock and concern among political leaders and the public alike. As the city grapples with the immediate aftermath, thoughts and support pour in for the victims, especially the traumatized children and their families.

The eyewitness accounts shed light on the harrowing scene, emphasizing both the swift response of bystanders and the immediate efforts to protect those affected. The collective shock and horror echo across Dublin, emphasizing the deep impact of such an incident on the community, especially the children.

Through statements and reactions, the gravity of the situation is underscored, signaling not just the immediate concern but also the anticipated long-term effects of the trauma inflicted on those involved.

A five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s were seriously hurt in the attack on Thursday afternoon.

It happened on Parnell Square East in the city centre, outside the Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school.

A man in his 40s who was also seriously injured is a person of interest, police said.

They added that they were not looking for any other people at this time and are following a definite line of inquiry.

Sources have indicated to the BBC that the man suspected of carrying out the attack is an Irish citizen, who has lived in the country for 20 years.

Live updates of violent scenes after Dublin knife attack

The head of An Garda Síochána (Irish police), Drew Harris, blamed the subsequent disorder on a "lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology", who engaged in violence as police tried to maintain the crime scene.

The streets are now "mainly calm", the Irish police have said, with no serious injuries reported as a result of the violence.

Ch Supt Patrick McMenamin said more than 400 officers remain on patrol after the disorder, which he blamed on "gratuitous thuggery".

"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," he added.

It is unclear how many arrests have been made, but Irish Justice Minister told Irish national broadcaster RTÉ that it was a significant number.

Fires and looting

Riot police were deployed after protesters gathered in the area near the scene of the attack.

The disorder centred on several streets in the city centre, including O'Connell Street.

A number of vehicles were set on fire, including at least one police car, a tram and a bus.

A shop on O'Connell Street was looted while the windows of other stores were smashed.