A young Garda who was stabbed on Dublin’s Capel Street is “recovering well”, the force has confirmed. 

A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection to the attack and is currently detained in a Dublin Garda Station. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Irish Mirror Defence Correspondent Mick O’Toole described it as a “terrifying attack” for the young Garda and the colleague who was with him. 

“Garda Commissioner for Dublin Paul Cleary has introduced high visibility policing patrols in the Dublin central area,” he said. 

“It’s been quite successful and part of that, it’s basically getting more Gardaí out on the beat. 

“These two officers were from the Bridewell high visibility unit; they were walking along Capel Street in central Dublin around 6pm last night.

“It appears that, out of nowhere, a man armed with a kitchen knife started shouting, ran at the two officers and attacked one of them.” 

Capel Street. Picture by: Leah Farrell/ © RollingNews.ie.

It is understood that the officer was stabbed twice, once in the side and once in the arm. 

Despite being stabbed, the officer managed to fight off his attacker along with his colleague. 

“The injured officer, who is only probationary, he’s only been in the job six months,” Mr O’Toole added. 

“Thankfully, the injuries are not serious and he was either released or discharged from hospital last night.”

Capel Street. Picture by: Leah Farrell/ © RollingNews.ie.

Footage of the attack has circulated online - something that Gardaí are understood not to be happy about. 

“They realise that we live in this era where everything seems to be filmed,” Mr O’Toole said. 

“There’s context for everything; we know that there is some video footage of Gardaí striking the assailant. 

“Sources I was talking to last night say that was completely proportional and they were effectively defending themselves and members of the community.” 

Assistant Commissioner Cleary said that attacks on Gardaí “will never be acceptable or tolerated”. 

The injured Garda is expected to be discharged soon.

Main image: Dublin's Capel Street. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.