Gardaí Investigate Stoneybatter Stabbing Spree as Suspect Remains in Custody

 Dublin: Gardaí believe that the man who stabbed three people in a violent spree attack in Stoneybatter, Dublin, intended to kill his victims.

"They are lucky to be alive," a senior source told The Irish Mirror last night. "It could have been much worse. He wanted to cause them serious harm and worse."

The alarming incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, prompting a rapid response from dozens of Gardaí. The suspect, a South American national who is not believed to have sought international protection, was later apprehended by an unarmed officer. While the motive remains unclear, Gardaí have ruled out any links to terrorism.

Attack Unfolds Across Stoneybatter

The attacker, armed with a box cutter blade, targeted three men in separate locations. One victim was stabbed as he attempted to enter his home, while two others sustained injuries on the street.

The violent spree began around 2:30 p.m. on Oxmantown Road, where the first victim was attacked. Shortly afterward, a second man was stabbed while cycling. A witness recounted how the cyclist frantically attempted to unlock his door, banging for his flatmate to let him in before emergency responders arrived.

The assailant then moved to Niall Street, just a short distance away, where he ambushed another victim from behind as he unlocked his door.

Eyewitnesses Hannah Dempsey and Jamie Stewart, who live on the same street, described the harrowing scene.

"I only saw the end of it," Stewart said. "He was holding his neck. He put the key in the door, and the man stabbed him in the neck. He wasn’t too badly injured."

Dempsey added: "It was very superficial, but it could have been really bad. He was shouting for help, and we reassured him that he was okay. He was just sitting against the wall, in shock. He said he was opening the door when someone came up from behind and stabbed him. All he could see was someone dressed in black from head to toe before they ran off."

Suspect in Custody as Investigation Continues

Gardaí quickly launched an appeal for witnesses and confirmed that a suspect—believed to be Brazilian—had been taken into custody. The suspect is being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, which allows for up to 24 hours of detention.

In a statement, Gardaí said:
"Three males assaulted in the course of the incident have been taken to hospital for treatment—two with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and one with less severe wounds."

Several crime scenes in Stoneybatter were cordoned off for forensic examination, though all traffic restrictions have since been lifted. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have video footage from the area between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Bridewell Garda Station at (01) 6668200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Justice Minister Condemns ‘Awful, Random’ Attack

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the shocking incident, describing it as "awful and random."

"I am receiving updates from An Garda Síochána about the situation in Stoneybatter. The suspect is now in custody, and the victims of this awful random attack are receiving medical attention," he said.

As investigations continue, Gardaí are working to determine the suspect’s motive while ensuring the safety of the local community.