GARDAÍ HAVE ARRESTED one teenager in relation to a violent disorder incident that took place in the Phoenix Park on Monday 17 June. 

Senator Barry Ward raised the incident in the Seanad during the week, and claimed that it was a homophobic attack, that involved three gay men being chased by a group of armed men. 

A garda spokesperson said that at around 11.30 pm on the night of the attack, they received an anonymous call relating an incident in the park and gardaí attended. 

“A search of the area was conducted and no persons made themselves known to gardaí. 

“Following on from further enquiries, gardaí identified a suspect,” they further said.

The man in his late teens was arrested on suspicion of committing an offence under the non-Fatal offences against the persons act. 

He will appear before the Central Criminal Court of Justice tomorrow morning.

“An Garda Síochána takes any crime or incident, with a hate motivation, seriously, and incidents reported to us are professionally investigated,” a spokesperson further. said. 

Reportedly, a group of men threatened and harassed three gay men. 

“They were chased down and, as he said, ‘hunted’ by six men with knives,” Ward said. 

He said that the men managed to get away from the group of six who were following them. 

“But God knows what would have happened if they had not,” he added. 

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward in relation to this incident. 

A spokesperson said:

“An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with direct knowledge or who has been a victim of such an incident in the area to contact An Garda Síochána either at Cabra Garda Station on 01 666 7400, the Diversity Unit at the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau on 01 666 3150 or through an advocacy group.

“Following the reports of this alleged incident, An Garda Síochána through the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau and Community Policing Unit in Cabra Garda Station has been in contact with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups.”