Two off duty gardai left in hospital after brutal attack in central Dublin

Two members of a specialist armed Garda unit are in hospital after they were brutally attacked while off duty in central Dublin.

Sources have told The Irish Mirror that the officers, who are both members of the Armed Support Unit, were attacked in the Temple Bar area early on Saturday morning.

One of the officers is critically ill with head injuries following the attack on the junction of Dame Street and Eustace Street. It’s understood the officers were socialising with other members of the unit for Christmas when the shocking event happened.

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Sources say the men were targeted by a gang of robbers and it is unlikely the attackers knew they were gardai. Both men were assaulted in the attack, but sources say one received significant head injuries. He is understood to be in a coma in Dublin’s Beaumont hospital.

A major manhunt is now underway for the attackers. Sources say an incident room has been set up in Pearse Street Garda station as part of the probe.

No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified yet. Gardai this afternoon appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The force said in a statement: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to an alleged assault which occurred at the junction of Dame Street and Eustace Street, Dublin 2, in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 14th December 2024.

“The incident occurred at approximately 01:30am. Two males were injured during the course of this incident.

“One of the men, aged in his 40s, has been taken to Beaumont Hospital Dublin where he is currently in critical condition.

“A second man was taken to St James’s Hospital Dublin for medical treatment and has been subsequently discharged.

“No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.

“An incident room led by a senior investigating officer has been established at Pearse Street Garda Station. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

“Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Dame Street / Temple Bar area, between 1:00am and 1:45am, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Gardaí are particularly looking to speak with any taxi drivers who were driving in the Dame Street area at the time and may have footage.

“Anyone with any 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.”

The Garda Armed Support Unit is a specialist firearms squad and the officers who were attacked were attached to the Dublin regional ASU.

The ASU responds to incidents where firearms or other weapons are used. The highly trained officers, who are armed with MP7 submachineguns, Sig Sauer pistols and tasers also respond to gangland incidents and are used to raid the homes of dangerous suspects.

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