A knife attack that left several children injured in the Irish capital, Dublin, has sparked violent protests against the police. Protesters set fire to a police van and attacked police officers yesterday, a reporter from the AFP news agency reported. Rumors had already circulated on social media that the crime had been committed by a foreigner. Hundreds of protesters then gathered in the center of Dublin.
Police Chief Drew Harris said several police cars were damaged. He attributed the violence to a “completely crazy group” driven by “extreme right-wing ideology.” He warned against the spread of “misinformation”.
AP/PA/Brian Lawless
A knife attack in the center of Dublin has previously caused shock. As eyewitnesses and local media reported, a man stabbed several people in front of an elementary school. Three children and a woman were injured, and the suspect, a 50-year-old man, was also taken to hospital after his arrest. Police ruled out a terrorist background for the knife attack.
“We are all shocked by the actions,” said Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. His “thoughts and prayers” are with the injured and their families.