Man arrested for ‘brandishing knife’ banged fists on school bus outside Parnell Square school

The Irish man, in his 30s, was later arrested for alleged offences under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act after the incident in the Parnell Square area of Dublin’s city centre this morning.

The incident happened outside the same school where three children were injured in a stabbing last November.

Gardaí are satisfied that this morning’s incident has no links to last year’s incident.

Children were left “upset” after the man allegedly brandished a knife and banged his fists on the bus as the children were about to leave on a school tour.

Gardaí were alerted after a number of concerned witnesses contacted emergency services.

It is understood the suspect is in custody at a Dublin city garda station and is believed to be suffering from mental health issues.

He is alleged to have engaged in threatening behaviour for half an hour before he was arrested shortly before 10am.

“While this was a very unpleasant experience for all involved, at no stage did this individual attempt to actually stab anyone,” a senior source said.

“A number of emergency calls were made in relation to separate incidents of the suspect brandishing the knife – mental health issues are a big factor in this case.

“It is being considered at this stage that his behaviour at that location is just a coincidence in relation to the tragedy that unfolded there last November.

“This man has come to the attention of gardaí before, it is not being treated as a copycat incident,” the source added.

While there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident, gardaí said they had been conducting regular patrols in this area and these patrols will continue.

“Gardaí are liaising with the local community and anyone impacted by the incident,” gardaí said in a statement.

Gardaí have also issued a warning about misinformation online surrounding the incident and appealed to the public to independently verify any information on social media and messaging apps.

“As a male has been arrested in relation to this incident, we ask people to refrain from comment,” the statement added.

Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked gardaí for their “swift and effective” response to the incident.

“I’m also very sure that people who are in that area, particularly children who witnessed this, would be very distressed,” he told the Dáil.

“Thankfully, nobody came to physical harm, which I know we all welcome, but I understand An Garda Siochána have maintained ongoing patrols in the area, including at both opening and closing times for education facilities.

“I call on any witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward to gardaí.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said children were “frightened and traumatised” by the incident.

“I wanted to say to you, Taoiseach, that people who live in the inner city of Dublin… communities are sick and tired of the ongoing anti-social behaviour, the sense of threat and dread, sick and tired of the lack of support and services,” she added.

“Sick and tired of Government hollowing out these communities, sick and tired of the fact that the garda resource is stretched beyond imagination, and absolutely incredulous at the fact that your government claims that the city centre is safe.

“I am very sorry to tell you – and I say this as a proud Dubliner – that is not the case.

“So we need serious action and we need a proper investment of resources.

“We need statements on this and we need a concrete plan from Government once and for all.”

A 50-year-old man is facing multiple serious charges in relation to the incident which happened outside the school on the afternoon of November 23.

He was remanded in custody after appearing before Dublin District Court in December.

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 28th May 2024