Teenager dies following suspected stabbing attack in Dublin

By Bairbre Holmes and Cillian Sherlock (PA)

A teenager has died and two others have been taken to hospital following a suspected stabbing attack in Dublin.

Emergency services were called to the incident at Tusla emergency accommodation in the Grattan Wood area of Donaghmede shortly after 11am.

Gardai said they discovered a “seriously injured male juvenile” who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The body was removed from the scene on Wednesday evening.

A male teenager and a woman were taken to hospital with injuries.

Both the deceased juvenile and the injured teenager are understood to be international protection applicants.

The Taoiseach has said he is “shocked and saddened” over the incident at the emergency residential unit operated by Tusla.

In a statement, Micheal Martin said: “Our thoughts go to the bereaved family and those injured during this incident.

“The wellbeing of the young people in this facility and the staff is now paramount.

“It is important they are offered every possible support at this difficult time as An Garda Siochana conduct a thorough investigation.”

A garda spokesperson said: “The incident is no longer active and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

“An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other person in relation to this incident at this time and is following a definite line of inquiry.”

Gardai said emergency personnel assisted several juveniles and adults at the scene.

Those taken to hospital have “non-life threatening injuries”, according to An Garda Siochana.

Tusla, which is the State’s child and family agency, said the incident occurred at a unit which provides 24-hour care to four separated young people seeking international protection.

In a statement, it said: “The incident involved two young people, during which a fatal injury was sustained.

“An Garda Siochana are now conducting a full investigation, and we are co-operating fully with their inquiries.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of the other young people and staff at this unit.

“We are providing additional supports to everyone directly affected and making efforts to contact the families of the young people who were residing there.”

Locals reported that at least one person was transported from the scene by emergency services using a stretcher.

Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Bay North, Denise Mitchell, said Donaghmede is in shock after the “devastating” incident.

She said: “This was a deeply traumatic incident, which has stunned the whole community.

“The gardai are at the very early stages of their investigation, and they need to be given the time, space and resources to establish the facts about how and why this happened.

“I want to commend the gardai and emergency services for their speedy action in bringing the situation under control, and welcome that there is now no ongoing threat to the community.”

A forensic examination was initiated on the preserved scene.

The Offices of the Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified.

A vehicle from the Garda Technical Bureau is visible behind a crime scene cordon, following a "serious incident" in the Grattan Wood area of Donaghmede (Photo by PA)