Five-year-old girl in very serious condition after Dublin stabbing
DUBLIN, Nov 24 (Reuters) – A five-year-old girl is in critical condition following a stabbing in Dublin that ignited riots in the city center. Police have made 34 arrests in connection with the violent clashes that took place overnight and are planning for more to follow.
The incident, which took place near a school and the main thoroughfare of O’Connell Street, resulted in serious injuries for the young girl, a woman in her 30s, and two other children. A man in his late 40s, who was also injured, has been detained by police.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar condemned the riots, saying “those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.” He assured the public that it is safe to return to the city, as the riots were contained to a relatively small area.
Police have not ruled out any motive for the stabbing, including whether it was terror-related. They have blamed far-right agitators for sparking the violence after anti-immigrant protesters clashed with police at the scene of the stabbing.
“We have seen an element of radicalisation. We have seen a group of people who take literally a thimble full of facts and make a bathtub of hateful assumptions and then conduct themselves in a way which is riotous and disruptive to our society,” said Police Commissioner Drew Harris.
The attack has been condemned across all political parties, and the Irish government has vowed to take immediate steps to tighten anti-hate legislation that is currently unfit for the social media age.
The violent scenes, which resulted in smashed shop windows, burnt-out vehicles, and damaged police cars, buses, and a tram, were unprecedented in the city. Visitors and shoppers were urged to avoid certain parts of the city as police worked to regain control after a crowd of about 200 to 300 people engaged in riotous behavior.
The injured girl remains in very serious condition, and a female teacher in her 30s is also in serious condition. The two other children suffered less serious injuries. The man detained in connection with the stabbings is also being treated for serious injuries.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the country, as such violence is rare in Dublin. The government is reviewing security around parliament following an increase in anti-immigrant protests over the past year.
As the investigation continues, the Irish government and law enforcement are working to ensure the safety and security of the public. Acquire Licensing Rights