A garda has suffered multiple stab wounds following an unprovoked knife attack in Dublin city centre on Tuesday evening.
One man aged in his 20s is in custody following the incident.
The officer, who was on routine patrol in the city, suffered puncture wounds to his side. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is “recovering well” and expected to be discharged, a Garda spokesperson said.
The incident occurred on Capel Street at about 6pm when two gardaí responded to reports of a man armed with a large blade, believed to be a kitchen knife.
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After a struggle, the suspect was restrained by gardaí using their batons. He is understood to be an Irish citizen, having been born in the Republic.
Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region Paul Cleary said: “I speak for all of An Garda Síochána in Dublin when I say that our thoughts are very much with our colleague who is recovering tonight.
“This evening’s unprovoked assault is indicative of what gardaí can face when they go out on duty to keep people safe,” he said.
Incidents such as this are not always recorded and shared online, but gardaí experience them in their day-to-day duties, which is a “difficult aspect of the job”, he said.
“Assaults of this nature will never be acceptable or tolerated. Our colleague has our full, steadfast support and the range of welfare services will be extended to him when he feels up to it.”
He said the suspect was arrested at the scene and the public can be assured “there is no ongoing threat to their safety in the city”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “appalled by the shocking unprovoked attack on a garda on duty on Capel Street in Dublin this evening ... My thoughts are with the injured garda and his colleagues at this time. I wish him a quick recovery.”
Mr Martin urged anyone with information to contact gardaí.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he has been briefed on the “appalling” attack.
“My thoughts are with the garda. And I wish him a full recovery. Attacks on our gardaí are unacceptable and will never be tolerated,” he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the attack as “appalling and utterly unacceptable” and said he is thinking of the garda, his family and colleagues.
“There must and will be zero tolerance for such appalling acts of violence,” he said.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said it is “dreadful” that a garda was “brutally attacked” while working to keep the people of Dublin safe.
“There must be zero tolerance for such disgraceful behaviour,” she said, wishing him a speedy recovery and commending the quick response of his colleagues.
Garda Representative Association vice-president Niall Hodgins extended “heartfelt wishes” to the injured member.
“This young probationary member was subject to a quite terrifying and unprovoked attack and only for his bravery and that of his colleagues this incident could have resulted in far worse and unthinkable consequences,” said Mr Hodgins.
The job of gardaí is “tough” and members of the force “continually run towards situations that others must flee from”.
He added: “There is never, ever, an excuse for being exposed to such acts of random violence. The attacks being visited upon our members is shocking and we will never accept that being assaulted is being part of our job.
“More needs to be done to create a safer working environment where the risk of assault is reduced.”
