Gardai ‘aware’ of child abduction claims that led to viral O’Connell Street attack

Disturbing videos of the incident that have been shared widely across social media show the man being attacked by several individuals outside a retail outlet on the street.

The man was left bloodied by the beating despite pleading with his attackers to stop.

The voice of a man who is apparently recoding the incident claims: “Tried to kidnap children, look.”

As the victim is repeatedly punched and kicked, a voice can be heard screaming, “kill him, kill him.”

The man then tries to take shelter inside the door of the shop while people scream, “drag him out”.

He manages to get to his feet before he is set upon again.

Oher footage shows him at a bus stop received a flurry of blows to the head and body.

Gardai said that while they do not comment on material posted on social media by third parties, “the context and veracity of which is unverified” they did respond to a public order incident on O’Connell Street on Sunday, June 16.

“An Garda Síochána continue to make efforts to identify a male allegedly (the) subject of an assault by a number of individuals and also identify all those persons involved,” they said in a statement.

They also appealed to anyone in the O’Connell Street area on the day and who observed the incident or who has video footage, to contact Store Street Garda Station at 01 666 8000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

“An Garda Síochána is aware of suggestions of an inappropriate approach to children or attempted child abduction which led to this public order incident,” gardai added.

“No incident of attempted child abduction or similar activity has been reported to An Garda Síochána.”

The gardai also appealed to anyone who observed any attempted abduction or inappropriate approach to a child, or who has direct knowledge of any attempted abduction or inappropriate approach to a child in the O’Connell Street area to contact Store Street Garda Station at 01 666 8000.

“Under Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, An Garda Síochána is the sole agency invested with the statutory role of preserving peace and public order. It is also An Garda Síochána’s statutory role to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation,” gardaí added.

“An Garda Síochána urge anyone with information relating to any crime to immediately report it for it to be thoroughly investigated by gardaí.

“In emergency situations such as a crime in progress or when urgent Garda assistance is required, members of the public should always call 999/112.”