Man held after two off-duty gardaí assaulted in Dublin

A man has been arrested by gardaí investigating the assault of two off-duty gardaí in Dublin city centre during the early hours of this morning.

One of the off-duty gardaí is in a critical condition.

The man, who is in his 40s, was taken to Beaumont Hospital following the incident, which occurred at the junction of Dame Street and Eustace Street at around 1.30am.

The second man was taken to St James's Hospital, but has since been discharged.

An incident room has been set up at Pearse Street Garda Station.

Garda sources are describing it as "an unprovoked attack" on the two men who were making their way home after a night out.

Gardaí have carried out a forensic examination of the area and are examining CCTV footage.

An intensive investigation is ongoing.

Garda Commissioner Drew Haris visited the man in his 40s in Beaumont Hospital.

Commissioner Harris also spoke to the second injured man after he was discharged from St James Hospital.

In a post on X, Taoiseach Simon Harris said his thoughts are with the two off-duty gardaí, who he said were the "victims of an alarming" attack and said the "perpetrators of this attack will face the full rigours of the law".

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was "appalled" by the incident and said his thoughts are with both men.

He also urged anyone with information to contact gardaí.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said those "responsible must face justice".

In a post on X, the minister said her thoughts are with the garda in hospital and also urged anyone with information to contact gardaí.

The attack on off duty members of An Garda Síochána in Temple Bar last night was appalling. My thoughts are with the Garda who remains in hospital and I wish him a speedy recovery.
I urge anyone with information to contact Gardaí. Those responsible must face justice.@gardainfo — Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) December 14, 2024

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses, particularly anyone who may have mobile phone footage (or dash-cam) and who was in the Dame Street/Temple Bar area of Dublin between 1am and 1.45am, to contact them.

They are also looking to speak to any taxi drivers who were in the area at the time and who may have footage to contact Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.