A knife attack in central Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday has left five people injured, including three children. The police have not ruled out any motive, including a possible connection to terrorism.
The incident led to clashes between anti-riot police and a group of anti-immigration protesters who arrived at the scene near O’Connell Street’s main road shortly after the attack.
A police car and a double-decker bus were set ablaze, while windows at the nearby Holiday Inn hotel and a McDonald’s restaurant were shattered.
A five-year-old girl is among the victims, receiving emergency treatment for serious stab wounds. The police have arrested a man in his late forties, also treated for serious injuries, and stated they are not looking for any other suspects.
The Irish police reported that the man appeared to have attacked several people in Dublin’s Parnell Square shortly after 1:30 PM GMT. Members of the public intervened early in the attack, playing a crucial role in the response to the incident.
This attack has raised concerns about public safety and the state of emergency response in Ireland.
The involvement of anti-immigration protesters following the attack has also highlighted ongoing tensions related to immigration in the country. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and circumstances of this tragic event.