Man (21) fatally stabbed near Grafton Street in early-hours attack in Dublin

A 21-year-old man died after being stabbed multiple times in Dublin city centre in the early hours of this morning. Several streets near Grafton Street remain sealed off.

21-year-old man killed in stabbing on Clarendon Street, Dublin

A 21-year-old man has died after being stabbed multiple times in Dublin city centre in the early hours of this morning, BreakingNews.ie reports. The man was found in a serious condition on Clarendon Street, close to Grafton Street, at around 3am and was taken to St James's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The victim is understood to have been working as a promoter in the area. He was stabbed a number of times after a fight broke out in the early hours.

Gardaí have preserved several scenes in the vicinity for forensic examination, and the Office of the State Pathologist has been informed. A substantial stretch of Grafton Street, as well as Johnson's Court, Coppinger Row, and part of Duke Street, remain closed to the public. At least 20 businesses in the area have shut; some are expected to reopen later this afternoon while others will remain closed out of respect.

The prior of St Teresa's Carmelite Church on Clarendon Street, Fr John Grennan, said he was "very shocked" to learn that a young man had died so close to his church. He said the community had been "very impacted by this tragedy" and noted that prayers were offered for the man and his family at this morning's Mass. A small number of people managed to attend despite much of the surrounding area being cordoned off.

"I want to offer our compassion and prayers for what happened here," Fr Grennan added.

A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the man's family. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has been briefed on the incident and extended his condolences.

Labour councillor Dermot Lacey, who chairs the Local Community Safety Partnership — the government-established body responsible for community policing — described it as unacceptable that a person had lost their life while out working. "My understanding is that some sort of fight evolved and a young man, 21 years of age, was stabbed," he said. "The question you have to ask is why should anybody feel entitled to carry a knife into the city."

Lacey said he understood the incident continued for some time before emergency services arrived. He added that the partnership's immediate priority was to develop a safety plan for that part of Dublin city. "We want to make sure that people feel safe going into the city and can justifiably feel safe going into the city, and that's not the case at the moment," he said.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone in the Grafton Street and Clarendon Street area between 2am and 3.30am who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dash-cam recordings. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Source: BreakingNews.ie