Garda, 40, suffers brain bleed as off-duty cops beaten in ‘random attack’ after Christmas party, man arrested

TWO off-duty police officers were attacked in Dublin’s Temple Bar, with one seriously injured in the head.

A man has been arrested after one of the officers, in his 40s, suffered a bleed on the brain, who is currently being treated in Beaumont Hospital.

3

3

His 30-year-old colleague suffered a concussion and was treated in hospital before being discharged.

Both men had been to a Christmas they were partying and on their way to catch a bus home when they were jumped from behind in the random attack around 1.30am this morning.

Investigators believe they may have been targeted in an alleged robbery.

We understand the suspect rifled through his pockets as he lay on the ground, with a phone and cash taken.

The guard, who is still in hospital, may have suffered the injury after his head hit the ground.

A source said: “The two guards had a good night out with their colleagues and were just on their way home.

“This is a random attack and robbery appears to be the motive.

“The security guard who is being treated in Beaumont has suffered a serious head injury. His colleague suffered concussion and bruises.”

duty officer Drew Harris paid a visit to both officers in the hospital.

Minister of Justice Helen McEntee described the attack as “appalling”.

She added: “My thoughts are with the Garda who remains in hospital and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“I would urge anyone with information to get in touch Guards. Those responsible must face justice.”

“The full rigors of the law”

And the Taoiseach Simon Harris insisted that those responsible would face “the full rigors of the law”.

The Fine Gael The leader said: “My thoughts are with the off duty Garda who were the victims of an alarming and aggressive attack in Temple Bar last night, one of whom remains in hospital.

“The perpetrators of this attack will face the full extent of the law. Anyone with information is asked to contact An Garda Siochana.”

A major investigation is being conducted by Pearse Street Garda Station into the incident and Gardai are reviewing CCTV as part of their investigation.

An incident room led by a senior investigation officer has been set up at Pearse Street garda station.

PLEASE GARDAI FOR INFORMATION

Gardaí confirmed earlier that inquiries into the incident were “ongoing”.

A spokesman added: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

“Anyone who may have dash cam footage (including dashcam) from the Dame Street/Temple Bar area between 1am and 1.45am is asked to make this footage available to the investigating police.

“Gardai are particularly looking to speak to 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.”

3