Gardaí have launched an investigation after a woman suffered serious burns when fireworks were thrown into her home in Dublin on Friday evening, in what local representatives have called a “cowardly” and “disgraceful” attack.
The terrifying incident happened at around 6.30pm, when a group of individuals reportedly forced open a window in the woman’s house before lighting and throwing a firework inside. The explosion caused flames and smoke to fill the small room, leaving the woman — who is in her thirties — with severe burns to her arms and body.
The group fled the scene immediately after the attack, and Gardaí are now investigating whether the incident may have been racially motivated.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí responded to an incident in which a woman in her thirties received injuries from a firework at a residence in Dublin on Friday night. Investigations are ongoing at this time.”
One source familiar with the case told the Irish Sun it as “a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was just minding her own business at home.” The source added: “She suffered a number of burns to her body and it could have been a lot worse. Those involved had no regard for the woman’s safety when the firework was fired inside a small space.”
The attack is understood to be one of several firework-related incidents across Dublin on Friday night. Teenage gangs were reportedly seen firing fireworks at Gardaí, prompting the Garda Public Order Unit to be deployed to the area.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, describing it as “cowardly” and “utterly unacceptable.” He said: “I absolutely condemn this attack. It was cowardly and I hope those who carried it out are arrested and face justice. I want to wish the woman a full and speedy recovery. My thoughts are with her and her family.”
He continued: “I would appeal to anyone with any information to please do the right thing and speak to the Gardaí. Attacks like this are wrong and have no place in our communities. Those involved need to take a long and hard look at themselves and see the destruction and pain they have caused.”
The shocking event comes amid growing concern about fireworks misuse across Dublin in recent weeks, particularly around Halloween, when illegal fireworks are often fired on residential streets and at people or vehicles.
Residents in several parts of the city have reported sleepless nights and growing fear as fireworks continue to be set off nightly — some deliberately aimed at homes, passing cars, and even Garda patrols.
Community groups and public representatives have repeatedly urged tougher enforcement and education to curb the problem, which has become an annual safety crisis.
As investigations continue, Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about Friday’s attack to come forward.
