Man with knife at same spot as Parnell Square stabbing was arrested before

A man arrested after banging on a school bus while armed with a knife in the same Dublin area where a mass stabbing took place last year had recently been detained by gardai.

The drama unfolded on Parnell Square at about 9am on Monday when an Irishman from the Dublin 1 area was spotted wielding a knife. This incident occurred close to where a horrific stabbing spree left a young child fighting for life in November.

Terrified witnesses reported that the individual was acting aggressively towards passengers on the bus on Tuesday, including a child who was involved in the previous violent attack which resulted in another child being critically wounded. The man was seen with a knife tucked into his belt and had been previously observed on nearby Gardiner Street, lifting his shirt to show off the blade.

Read more: Child attacked in Parnell Square stabbing witnessed thug waving knife in front of bus

Read more: Armed man arrested after ‘threatening behaviour’ on Parnell Square

It has now been revealed that the man was already on the gardai’s radar, having been arrested just days before in relation to a mental health issue. Gardai were monitoring the man closely, and officers were quick to respond to the scene due to their presence in the vicinity.

Local Councillor Nial Ring expressed his concern to us, recounting his conversation with the school’s principal who is deeply shocked by the event, reports the Irish Mirror. “It happened on the other side of the school on the creche end. They were getting the kids into the bus to bring them around when this guy just appeared and he was threatening and banging on the bus with a knife in his hand,” shared Cllr Ring.

“Unfortunately one of the little kids that was stabbed in the previous incident was on the bus. The principal is in shock. He can’t believe this has happened.”

Cllr Ring said he believes more needs to be done to prevent incidents such as today’s occurring in Dublin City centre. “The Taoiseach can set up whatever task force he likes. Unless there are more guards on the beat in this city, this type of incident will happen again and again. Everyone is sick to their stomach and the principal is distraught. They’ve got all the supports for the kids and then this happens.”

In a statement gardai confirmed that a man in his 30s has been arrested for alleged threatening behaviour under the Firearms and Offences Weapons Act. The male is currently in custody in a Dublin City Centre Garda Station. “There are no injuries reported as a result of this incident,” a Garda spokesperson said.

“An Garda Siochana had been conducting regular patrols in this area and these patrols will continue. Gardai are liaising with the local community and anyone impacted by the incident.”

Meanwhile, in the Dail, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he had been briefed on the incident that took place in Parnell Square as he thanked Gardai for their “swift and effective response”.

“I’m also very sure that people who are in that area, particularly children, who witnessed would be very distressed. Thankfully, nobody came to physical harm, which I know we all welcome.”

“I understand An Garda Siochana have maintained ongoing patrols in the area, including at both opening and closing times for education facilities. Of course, I call on any witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward to the Gardai but there has been an arrest made.”

In response to questions from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald who expressed that children had been “left frightened and traumatised” after the Parnell Square incident. She voiced concerns that Garda resources are being “stretched beyond imagination” as she warned him people are “absolutely incredulous at the fact that your Government claims 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,” she added.

For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.

Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.