Three children among five injured in 'serious incident' in Dublin City
Muireann Duffy
Five people, including three children, have been injured in what Gardaí have described as a "serious public order incident" in Dublin City Centre.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at Parnell Square East in the north-inner city shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday.
Three young children, a man and a woman were injured in the incident and have been taken to various hospitals in the Dublin region for treatment.
Gardaí confirmed a girl sustained serious injuries, while the injuries of the other two children were less serious.
The injured woman's injuries were also described as serious, while the man's are understood to be less serious.
Gardaí gave no further details as to the nature of the incident, but The Irish Times reports that early indications suggest a man attacked a group of young people with a knife and passers-by intervened.
The paper adds that a large knife was recovered at the scene.
A statement from Gardaí said they are following "a definite line of inquiry", adding officers are not looking for any other person at this time.
In a statement, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Gardaí have detained a suspect, and thanked the emergency services for their prompt response.
TD for Dublin Central, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe also released a statement following the incident in his constituency.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this very serious incident, and their families. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Store Street police station," he said.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee added that she is "deeply shocked by the appalling attack".
"All our thoughts are with those injured, especially with the children, their parents and families, during this extremely difficult period."
The Minister added she has been briefed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, and will remain in contact with him and senior Gardaí on the matter.
"This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice.
"However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time," Ms McEntee added.