crime
Violence breaks out in Dublin – police arrest 34 people
Riots break out after a knife attack in Dublin. photo
© Brian Lawless/PA Wire/dpa
Several children are stabbed by an attacker in Dublin. The incident sparked speculation about the nationality of the attacker and attracted right-wing extremist rioters.
Police have responded to an outbreak of violence in the Irish capital Dublin 34 people arrested. Riots broke out on Thursday evening after several people were injured in a knife attack. Police Chief Drew Harris said Friday morning that 13 stores were damaged or looted. Eleven police cars, several buses and a tram were also damaged.
“These are scenes the likes of which we have not seen in decades,” said Harris. He defended the police’s actions. One could not have foreseen that this would be the reaction to a terrible crime. “No one could have predicted this.”
Previously, several children and a woman were injured in a knife attack in the city on Thursday. A five-year-old girl and the woman were taken to hospital with serious injuries. A five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl suffered minor injuries. According to investigators, the motive for the crime is still unclear.
There had been speculation on social media about the nationality of the alleged perpetrator, which the police themselves did not provide any information about. The police criticized the subsequent riots as unprovoked violence. According to RTÉ, Justice Minister Helen McEntee spoke of a violent mob whose sole aim was to cause devastation. Order was restored at midnight.