An investigation is under way in Dublin after a former boxer was arrested on suspicion of attacking two Gardaí and stealing equipment during an assault in the city centre.
This incident took place on the South Quays near Temple Bar around 4am on Monday, and was condemned by the Garda Representative Association, who also blasted the lack of support for its members on the ground, after reports had suggested that there was no garda car available for the local station to take the call.
This happened after a man was asked to leave the area along Aston Quay at 4am, as two Gardaí were on patrol. As they attempted to restrain this individual with pepper spray and batons, he soon resisted before attacking the Gardaí, physically assaulting them in the process.
This man who reportedly used the garda baton to attack the Gardaí, later fled the scene with some personal protective equipment, including the baton, pepper spray and garda radio.
According to reports in the Irish Independent, the officers later flagged down a taxi before taking a lift to seek to find the suspect following their attack.
Since then, a man believed to be in his 30s, was arrested, and is currently being held on suspicion of assault and can be detained for up to 24 hours. The baton has since been recovered.
Speaking afterwards, the GRA said their thoughts are with the injured Gardaí, and have wished them a speedy recovery, while also adding that attacks on Gardaí are unacceptable.
“Unfortunately, when our members come under attack they should rightly expect to have adequate protection and back-up available to help and support them", Shane Bonner, GRA delegate for Dublin South Central Division said.
“While all the focus seems to lie with policing EU presidency events, garda management seem to have taken their eye off the ball when it comes to ensuring enough gardaí are available to police the city centre safely and without danger of serious assault".
Elsewhere, a Garda spokesperson said in a statement.
“Gardaí are investigating an incident in Dublin city centre earlier this morning during which two members of An Garda Síochána were assaulted", they said.
“Both members were treated at the scene for minor injuries", they said. “A man was arrested and is currently detained at a g arda station in Dublin city centre.
“Investigations are ongoing", (all quotes according to the Irish Independent).
