A terrifying stabbing spree in Stoneybatter, Dublin, left three men hospitalised after a masked attacker randomly targeted victims, slashing them with a knife. The suspect, a man in his late 20s originally from South America, was stopped by a heroic unarmed Garda officer, preventing further bloodshed.

The attacker, who knocked on doors in an apparent attempt to find more victims, was armed with a knife and two sets of scissors when he went on a violent rampage through multiple streets before being apprehended.

A Terrifying Afternoon in Dublin

The incidents unfolded on Sunday, February 9, shortly before 3 PM in Stoneybatter. Witnesses described a masked man attacking people seemingly at random, leaving a trail of panic and bloodshed.

According to Gardaí, the stabbing frenzy occurred across Oxmantown Road, Manor Street, and Niall Street, with three Irish men suffering injuries ranging from serious to minor.

Eyewitness reports suggest the attacker was knocking on doors, apparently seeking additional victims, before launching unprovoked assaults on passersby and even a resident returning home.

Victims and Injuries

Emergency services were quickly on the scene, transporting three men to hospital for treatment. Gardaí confirmed:

• Two victims sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
• A third man suffered less severe wounds.
• All victims were Irish men aged between their mid-20s and mid-40s.

One victim, who had recently moved to the area, was slashed from behind as he tried to enter his home on Niall Street. A witness recalled:

“I heard a man shouting ‘help, help, I’ve been stabbed’ and saw him lying on the ground, holding his neck. It looked like a slash, not a deep wound.”

Another resident described seeing a man in a dark hoodie loitering around the area before the attacks, adding to speculation that the suspect had been targeting victims deliberately.

Gardaí Respond Swiftly to Prevent Further Bloodshed

In a dramatic turn of events, a heroic unarmed Garda officer intercepted the attacker near Manor Place, close to the crime scenes.

The suspect, whose face was covered, was found in possession of two pairs of scissors and had allegedly discarded a knife before being arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

A significant Garda presence flooded the area, sealing off multiple streets as investigators gathered evidence and spoke to witnesses.

‘How Could This Happen in Our Community?’

The attacks have left the tight-knit Stoneybatter community in shock. Local Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam described the immediate sense of fear and concern that spread among residents:

“The messages started coming in very quickly on community WhatsApp groups—people were being told to stay indoors for safety.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald echoed similar sentiments, praising the Gardaí and emergency services while acknowledging the state of shock among locals.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also addressed the incident, stating:

“Our thoughts are with the victims of the shocking attacks in Stoneybatter. I want to pay tribute to the Gardaí and emergency services for their prompt response.”

Motive Behind the Attack Still Unclear

While the suspect remains in Garda custody, authorities do not believe the attack was terror-related.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed:

“At this time, there is no indication that the attacks were linked to any terrorist organisation.”

Investigators are now piecing together the suspect’s background and possible motives while urging anyone with information—including those with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area—to come forward.

A Close Call for Dubliners

The swift intervention by Gardaí likely prevented further casualties. If the attacker had continued his door-to-door rampage, the number of victims could have been far higher.

Residents remain on edge, hoping for answers and justice while recovering from the trauma of a broad daylight stabbing spree.

Ongoing Investigation

Gardaí are urging witnesses to step forward, particularly anyone who:

• Was in the Stoneybatter area between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
• Noticed suspicious behaviour on Oxmantown Road, Manor Street, or Niall Street.
• Has CCTV, mobile phone footage, or dashcam recordings from the area.

Anyone with information can contact:

• Bridewell Garda Station at 01 666 8200
• The Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111
• Any Garda station

As the community comes to terms with this shocking act of violence, questions remain: Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? And how do we ensure it never happens again?

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