A vicious assault on a teenager in south Dublin, in which three of his fingers were severed, has been condemned.

The incident happened at Bawnogue in Clondalkin over the weekend when the boy (16) was attacked by a gang with a machete.

It is believed the incident was as a result of turf war and gardai say they are investigating all of the circumstances.

He was taken to St. James's Hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

It is understood that no arrests have been made.

Local Fianna Fail Councillor Trevor Gilligan says it is the worst he has heard of.

The Clondalkin area has seen an increase in violent crimes in recent months. In March, a man was shot outside a church not far from where this attack took place.

And just a few weeks before that, convicted drug dealer John Gilligan was shot at nearby Greensfort Crescent.

Parish priest Fr. Sean O'Leary says the local community is horrified.