Arrest made as Garda in ‘critical’ condition after double assault in Dublin city

An arrest has been made after two off-duty gardaí were assaulted in Dublin City centre.

A man was arrested in connection to the assault last night and is being held at a Dublin Garda station.

The two off-duty garda members were 'jumped from behind' by a man in the early hours of yesterday morning.

In a statement, gardaí said the incident occurred at the junction of Dame Street and Euston Street at around 1.30am on Saturday morning (14 December).

The officers, one aged in their 40s and one in their 30s, were on their way home from their Christmas party when the attack occurred.

The garda in his 40s suffered serious head injuries and was last night reported to be in a critical condition at Beaumont Hospital.

The second garda, in his 30s, received minor injures and was treated at St James’s Hospital, but has since been released.

The president of the Garda Representative Association representing rank-and-file officers, Mark O’Meara, stated: "Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured colleagues and their loved ones at this difficult time.

"The random attack on two serving gardaí has thrust the breakdown of law and order in Dublin back under the glare of the public spotlight," he added.

A criminal investigation into the attack is now underway, with detectives at Pearse Street Garda Station having established an incident room which is being overseen by a senior investigating officer.

CCTV footage from the area is also being reviewed, however, early indications suggest the two off-duty gardaí were set upon by one individual.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

"Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Dame Street / Temple Bar area, between 1.00am and 1.45am, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí," continues the Garda statement.

"Gardaí are particularly looking to speak with any taxi drivers who were driving in the Dame Street area at the time and may have footage."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.