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04th Jan 2018

Gardaí find no evidence that Dundalk knife attacks were terror-related

Michael Lanigan

protest Dublin

The national terrorist threat level remains ‘Moderate’.

Gardaí have been unable to find any evidence to establish that the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old Japanese man in Dundalk on Wednesday morning was terror-related

The victim was stabbed in the back on Avenue Road at 9am on Wednesday and died at the scene shortly afterwards. On Thursday, Gardaí confirmed the name of the deceased as Yosuke Sasaki, a 24-year old Japanese national.

Two other men were attacked on the Inner Relief Road and Seatown in Dundalk within an hour of each other. One received a knife wound, while the other was assaulted with a fence post. Both were subsequently hospitalised, although their injuries are not life-threatening.

An 18-year-old Egyptian national was arrested and it is understood that he travelled to Ireland from the United Kingdom recently. He was later detained at Dundalk Garda station on suspicion of murder.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said that it “is currently liaising closely with our security and law enforcement partners worldwide to share and assess any relevant intelligence and its potential impact on the current investigation”.

“At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist related. However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.

“The threat level in this jurisdiction from international terrorism remains unchanged (MODERATE), where an attack is possible but not likely. The level of threat remains under constant review by An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Defence Forces.

“The public should be reassured that An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring that the security of the state and our public areas remains a policing and security service priority. As a matter of course, we remind the public to remain vigilant and appeal to any persons with any information to contact Dundalk Incident Room on 042-9388471 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”

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