Couple held after man is stabbed in city centre

GARDAÍ are investigating a serious stabbing incident in Dublin city centre yesterday afternoon after which a man was admitted to hospital.

The incident occurred at approximately 4.40pm yesterday on Essex Quay, when a man in his late 20s sustained a stab wound. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken by ambulance to St James’s Hospital.

His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A man and a women, both in their 20s, were arrested by gardaí and are being held in Pearse Street Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. They can be held for 24 hours.

Gardaí cordoned off the scene, just outside Smock Alley Theatre, for technical examinations.

The incident caused traffic disruption across the city centre, with diversions all the way from O’Connell Bridge to Merchant’s Quay.

Drivers were forced to take alternative routes leading to major traffic congestion, on what is traditionally one of the biggest shopping weeks of the year in the capital.

Bus services were also forced to make changes to their routes due to the road closure.

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station at 01 666 9000, or call the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111.