Violent riots have erupted in central Dublin after reports a man stabbed multiple people, including children.
Five people, including three children and the suspect have been left injured, after it appeared the man attacked several people at Parnell Square, shortly after 1:30pm local time.
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Of those injured, a five-year-old girl was receiving emergency treatment after sustaining serious injuries, police said.
The suspect, a 50-year-old man was also being treating for serious injuries and has been detained by police.
No other suspect is being searched for.
Ireland’s police chief, Drew Harris said he had no ruled out any motives.
“I never ruled out any possible motive for this attack,” he said.
“As I’ve said right from the start, all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive.
“I’m not going to speculate any further in respect of a terrorist motive. Until we’re sure what the motive is, we have to keep an open mind as to why this happened.”
Protestors took the area around the scene and fired flares and fireworks.
Multiple vehicles were also torched, and protestors clashed with police, Mr Harris describing the behaviour as “disgraceful scenes”.