Emergency services have rushed to a street in Dublin after at least four people were reportedly stabbed this afternoon.
A number of streets in the city’s Stoneybatter area have been sealed off from the public whilst Gardai respond to a major incident.
There were several attacks with a knife that resulted in four individuals being hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.
According to the Irish Times, at least one of the victims was attacked while in the doorway of their own home.
A man was arrested near the scene a short time after the incident and Gardai have stressed there is no risk to the wider public at this time.
A man was arrested and detained at a Garda station in the north side of Dublin city.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
According to a Garda spokesperson, an investigation is ongoing into a significant event that occurred in Dublin 7’s Stoneybatter area on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
‘A man has been arrested and is currently detained at a Garda station in the North City under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
The spokesperson mentioned that three males were assaulted during the incident and have since been admitted to the hospital for medical attention. Of the three, two sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while one suffered injuries that were less severe.
‘A number of scenes are currently being preserved for technical examination in the Stoneybatter area.
‘All traffic restrictions have been lifted.
‘Anyone who was in the Stoneybatter area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, who may have any video footage linked to this incident, is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
‘Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridewell Garda Station or any Garda Station.’
Local Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam said residents were told to lock their doors and stay inside.
Mr McAdam said gardai reacted very quickly and ‘swarmed the place’.
He said community gardai were contacting local residents to assure them they would maintain a presence in the area.
He described the neighbourhood as ‘active’ and ‘closely knit’.
‘There’s a level of shock, a level of concern – but the overriding sense here in Stonybatter is one of hope that those who have been impacted and injured will make a swift recovery,’ he said.
He added: ‘There’s a sense of ‘how could something like this happen in our neighbourhood?”
But Mr McAdam said locals had been reassured by the quick Garda response.
The incident has rocked the local community, with councillor Janice Boylan telling Dublin Live: ‘It’s terrifying to say the least that on a Sunday peaceful afternoon that people would be out going about their business and to be attacked in such a vicious way.’
Emergency services were called to Oxmantown Road and Niall Street in Dublin 7 following a reported stabbing in the area and told residents to go indoors shortly before 3pm.
A suspect, who was understood to have his face covered, was apprehended nearby on Manor Place after a garda search.
Describing the arrest, a local woman told the Irish Times: ‘I saw a lot of garda cars arrive really fast. They all jumped out at exactly the same time. I saw a guy running and they dived on him outside a house.
‘He just screamed and screamed and screamed “leave me alone.” He was terrified, like someone who wasn’t expecting that to happen. And then it all stopped.’
The incidents are believed to have happened across three locations on the North Circular Road, Oxmantown Road and Ben Eadair Road.
The incident is not believed to be terror related, according to sources.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said: ‘I am receiving updates from an Garda Siochana about the situation in Stoneybatter. The suspect is now in custody and the victims of this awful random attack are receiving medical attention.’
Local Teachta Dála (TD) Mary Loud McDonald said: ‘Terrible news from Stoneybatter this afternoon. My thoughts are with those injured and their families. The community is in a state of shock.
‘The Gardaí and emergency services are to be commended for their response. ‘
