Updated 15.45
GARDA BODY THE Garda Representative Association (GRA) has condemned an attack last night on two of its members in Dublin’s north inner city.
Two gardaí were hospitalised after being assaulted by a group of youths just after midnight on Manor Street in Stoneybatter.
The gardaí, a man and a woman based at Bridewell Garda Station, were on foot patrol in the area when they were set upon and assaulted by the youths according to a Garda spokesperson.
Today the GRA said that it was “absolutely incensed to hear of the savage attack” on the two gardaí.
“This attack was unprovoked and totally indiscriminate,” it said in a statement.
We wish our colleagues a full and speedy recovery. No one should expect to be assaulted as part of their job yet these attacks have become an unacceptable occupational hazard.
The association said that the assault “shows the perils Gardaí face on a daily basis”.
“We have no idea what lies ahead of us when we arrive at work every day,” it said.
It’s clear that those responsible have no respect for the law or members of An Garda Síochána.
Citing a number of incidents in the last week in Kildare (where some gardaí received death threats) and Kerry (where a Garda squad car was rammed during a robbery), the association says that such incidents highlight the difference between working as a Garda and other public sector positions.
“No other members of the public sector are required to wear stab vests to work or carry batons as a matter of course,” it said.
The association also called for the introduction of body-worn cameras for officers, and said that it’s now “vital that the use of tasers is seriously examined as a deterrent”.
The two gardaí who were assaulted were both taken to the nearby Mater Hospital following the incident for treatment but have since been discharged.
One teenage boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being held at the Bridewell Garda Station.
Gardaí have asked that anyone with information regarding the incident contact them at Bridewell on 01 6668200, or on the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.
Originally published 9am
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