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 yesterday morning.

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

The member of the gardaí, 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 yesterday morning.

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.

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.

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 yesterday, to contact them.