A man was stabbed to death in a late night row on Ireland’s busiest street.
The horrific incident happened on Dublin’s O’Connell Street at 1.40am as gardai moved in to separate the pair.
The dead man, who gardai have not yet identified, was allegedly engaged in a protracted argument with another man.
It is thought both men were homeless with the deceased from Dublin city centre. A source said: “A female garda on foot patrol in the area spotted two men talking earlier – there wasn’t enough to effect an arrest at that time.
“She asked a control room CCTV operator to keep the camera on them.
“The incident happened in seconds and a description was issued of the attacker immediately.
“A man was arrested close to the scene by gardai. He suffered a suspected stabbing injury.
“The deceased man was allegedly stabbed repeatedly and died a short time after he was attacked.” The scene, outside a gaming arcade, was sealed off for much of the day as was a large part of O’Connell Street.
Forensic experts and gardai examined the area and blood trails from the attack were also seen spread across the street.
Gardai recovered a suspected murder weapon and were awaiting the results of finger printing during the postmortem to determine the deceased’s identity.
The suspect, who is in his late 20s, was taken to Store Street Garda station and on to hospital for treatment to his wound. His detention will restart once that treatment is complete.
A Garda spokesman said an officer at the scene had attempted to render first aid, assisted by members of the public.
The man, whose age is unknown, was taken to the Mater Hospital with apparent stab wounds and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Store Street Garda station on 01 6668000 or the Confidential Line on 1800 666111.
