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Gang who left US tourist with life-changing injuries are behind series of violent attacks in Dublin

Man in serious condition in hospital after savage, unprovoked assault just metres from garda station

Today at 06:53

Gardaí believe the feral gang that left a US tourist with life-changing injuries has been behind other violent group attacks in Dublin city centre.

The 57-year-old victim remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after being punched and kicked in the head after being knocked to the ground near Talbot Street on Wednesday night.

The attack, which took place at 10.40pm after the man left the accommodation where he was staying, has been described as “extremely violent and unprovoked”.

The victim has suffered serious eye and head injuries, while doctors at Beaumont Hospital were yesterday continuing to assess if there are any long-term brain injuries.

Detectives have reviewed CCTV from the area and taken witness statements as part of the inquiry.

They believe that three youths were centrally involved in the attack but were present with a larger gang.

Sources said that this group is believed to be the same individuals responsible for other attacks in the area in recent weeks and months.

“This group of about 20 local youths have been going around assaulting people throughout the summer in and around the city centre,” one source said.

“The assaults are all unprovoked and they literally roam the streets looking to start fights with innocent people. They are out of control.”

No arrests have yet been made in relation to Wednesday night’s attack, although gardaí are making “good progress” in identifying all of the suspects in the case and expect to make arrests.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee yesterday promised a “tough and firm response” to the violent attack on the tourist within metres of Store Street garda station. Ms McEntee said the “brutal attack” near the station “must be condemned in the strongest terms” and said there can be “no excuse for such violence and intimidation”.

“A tough and firm response will send out the message that we will not tolerate this thuggery on our streets,” she added.

“I urge any witnesses to last night’s assault to contact An Garda Síochána at Store Street or on the Garda Confidential Line.”

Ms McEntee, who has been justice minister for three years, said people must have confidence that they can safely walk the streets of our capital.

She said she is in regular contact with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on the issue of garda visibility. Ms McEntee said the best way of making the streets safer is having more gardaí on patrol.

The minister was last weekend criticised by Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea for her lack of focus on addressing street crime and anti-social behaviour in cities.

“The public want her to focus more on delivering safe streets than on playing to the woke gallery. Every minute spent pushing a flawed hate bill or allowing gardaí who pursue criminals to be investigated is a minute wasted,” Mr O’Dea said.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, condemned the attack, saying the thugs involved have no respect for anyone.

“I would call on the gardaí to find out who did this and ensure they are charged and prosecuted,” he said.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said the Government’s response to addressing crime in north inner city Dublin has been “pathetic”.

“It was only last Tuesday in the Dáil, I asked the Justice Minister Helen McEntee what she was doing to make the city centre safer. Her response was to point to a community safety partnership plan that has been discussed for two years, and not put a single extra garda on the street,” he said.

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Mr Gannon said there are almost weekly “vicious assaults” in the city and there is an increasing “sense of lawlessness” in the capital.

“Fine Gael hold the justice ministry, it’s a cruel joke that they refer to themselves as a party of law and order while the city is in the condition that it is,” he said.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident, or who may have video footage, to contact Store Street garda station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. Investigations are ongoing.