Gardai have warned tourists to be extremely vigilant around Dublin City Centre after a US tourist took a horrendous beating in a completely unprovoked attack that happened just metres from his hotel.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned Wednesday’s attack on an American tourist in Dublin city centre as “brutal”.
A 57-year-old man was attacked, kicked and beaten by a group of youths in Store Street around 10.40pm, reports RTE.
Gardaí believe the man’s injuries could be life-changing.
He had just left the boarding house where he was staying on Talbot Street when the attack occurred.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene and the man was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in intensive care, reports RTE.
During the attack, he suffered severe head and facial injuries and was probably kicked several times in the head.
The victim is said to be a resident of Washington and a regular visitor to Ireland.
No arrests were made.
Gardaí on Store Street are appealing for witnesses who were at the intersection of Talbot Street and Store Street between 10.30pm and 11pm or anyone with information to contact them.
They also look for camera or mobile phone footage and collect CCTV footage from businesses in the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01-66-68-000 or the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the “brutal” attack “must be condemned in the strongest terms”, reports RTE.
In a statement, she said: “There can be no excuse for such violence and intimidation and I fully understand the concerns of the local community. A tough and firm response will send out the message that we will not tolerate this thuggery on our streets. People must have confidence they can safely walk the streets of our capital. I am in regular contact with Commissioner Harris on the issue of Garda visibility,” reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One, Mr Varadkar insisted “there is a strong response from Government, both in terms of stiffer penalties and also in terms of increasing garda resources and court resources,” reports RTE.
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