EXCLUSIVE | 

Latest: Dublin stabbing suspect had row over social welfare payments, Algerian was not happy, with his Welfare Irish Money, so he went on a Killing Spree, it is now Alleged, Scary.

The suspect has been in an induced coma since the horror attack – meaning gardaí have been unable to question him as to his motive

Today at 07:20

The 49-year-old who is suspected of stabbing four people, including three children, outside Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire had been embroiled in a row over his social welfare payments in recent weeks.

Sources said gardai have been made aware the Algerian-born Irish citizen was ‘deeply unhappy and agitated’ about the decision which had the effect of reducing his weekly income from the State.

“It would certainly have acted as a significant stressor for him and it’s a decision that was made only in recent weeks,” a source confirmed.

The suspect has been in an induced coma since the horror attack – meaning gardaí have been unable to question him as to his motive,

However, a senior source said yesterday that all currently-available evidence indicates this was not ‘a lone wolf terror attack’ and is more likely linked to mental health issues and may, in some way, relate to the issue regarding his social welfare payments.

A profile of the assailant put together by gardai identified him as “a ‘non-political, non-religious introvert’.

“Investigations so far have discovered nothing that would indicate any kind of religious or political motivation for what he did,” the source said.

“A thorough examination has been carried out of his online activity, while those who knew or associated with him have also been spoken to.

“There isn’t any sign whatsoever of radicalisation, religious, political or otherwise.

“He didn’t attend church or a mosque and there is no evidence of any kind of views to the extreme left or right. Also, when the property in which he lived was searched, there was nothing of note found.

“In other jurisdictions where lone wolf terror attacks have taken place, investigators have usually found propaganda of some kind or a manifesto.

“There is nothing like that in this case. This was not a man who led a settled existence. He lived in hostels or supported living quarters.

“As far as can tell, he was an introvert, not a part of something bigger that has been determined so far.”

Asked if the man’s medical history, and the fact he had a brain tumour removed in recent years, was being looked at, the source confirmed it was. ​

Asked specifically about the removal of a brain tumour, the source indicated this happened several years ago, while the attacker hadn’t come to Garda attention in any way until recent months.

Gardaí charged the man with two criminal offences arising from event that took place in March. He was charged with possession of a knife and criminal damage.

When the cases came before Dublin District Court in May, no order was made. Legal sources said this sometimes happens in cases where mental health is viewed to be a factor.

The 49-year-old gave an address on the South Circular Road when he appeared before the court,

When this newspaper called to the building on Friday with a picture of the assailant, a resident who has lived there for five years said the man had never lived there.

In advance of questioning the suspect, gardaí have gathered evidence that leads them to believe he deliberately targeted the children at the school – rather than this being a spontaneous attack.

Sources said he loitered around a back gate of the school for 10 minutes before walking around to the front and starting to stab the children.

It’s believed he watched as a group of five children we