Man hospitalised in vicious assault one day after failed 'citizens arrest'

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

A group of people attempted a 'citizens arrest' on a man in Limerick just one day before he was viciously assaulted and hospitalised.
On Monday, June 30, Gardaí said a number of members of the public expressed their concern to officers at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick City, for the alleged behaviour of a man who had earlier been seated in the People's Park.
This followed a widely circulated false social media post on Sunday, purporting false claims that a man allegedly attempted to 'call a child to come with him', with a picture of the man also being shared.
On Monday, a group found the man in the park, recording him as they subjected the bewildered man to verbal abuse and baseless accusations of inappropriate behaviour, before walking the man to Henry Street Garda Station, around five minutes away from the park.
This video was also posted to various social media platforms, being shared across X by a number of accounts. In the video one person can be heard telling the man 'I should hack your head off'. In another video the group can be seen walking the man to Henry Street Garda Station.
Gardaí confirmed that after carrying out enquiries, officers were satisfied that the alleged conduct was "not of a criminal nature and was nothing untoward". Gardaí also said the man "fully co-operated with Gardaí during the course of their enquiries".
On Tuesday, July 3, the same man who was subjected to vile abuse in People's Park was viciously assaulted outside Colbert Station on Limerick's Parnell Street at around 3:45pm, in an attack that has been condemned by local councillors and charity organisations.
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Gardaí have now launched an investigation following the assault, University Hospital Limerick to be treated for non-life threatening injuries sustained during the incident.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident of assault to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061 214340 , the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Authorities have also urged for the public to not share any of the posts on social media related to these incidents. They also stressed that Gardaí are the sole agency responsible for policing, stressing the public should contact gardaí directly if their is any criminal behaviour.
A spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: 'Under Section 9 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, 2024 An Garda Síochána is the sole agency with the statutory role of preserving peace and public order.
'It is the statutory role of An Garda Síochána to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation, ensuring that every citizen is afforded their constitutional right to innocence until proven guilty and a human rights-based criminal investigation.
'An Garda Síochána urge anyone with information regarding breaches of criminal law to report it directly to us, where it will be investigated thoroughly and professionally.
'An Garda Síochána work closely with the communities we serve in line with our mission of keeping people safe.
'In addition to Garda Community Policing Units, An Garda Síochána has a number of initiatives in place nationwide to facilitate engagement with people and allow them report any concerns in their area including Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch, Community Text Alert, 'See Something, Say Something' and the Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111.
'An Garda Síochána is aware of the misinformation and disinformation currently in circulation online with regard to the initial concerns raised with Gardaí, and ask that any content shared is not forwarded onwards or further posted.'
Doras, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, human rights organisation working to promote and protect the rights of refugees and migrants, condemned the assault as a 'targeted act of harassment and violence'.
A spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: 'We are appalled by the recent assault in Limerick of a man from a migrant background, following unfounded and fabricated allegations against him.
'This was a targeted act of harassment and violence. It has understandably caused fear and distress within migrant communities – and, rightly, outrage among the vast majority of people in Limerick who reject racism and vigilantism.
'Limerick has a proud tradition of being a welcoming and inclusive city. Organised hate and harassment of any group has no place here – and it must not be tolerated.
'We urge everyone: please do not share or engage with posts or videos that spread false claims. Doing so can put innocent people in real danger.
'Doras is providing support to the man affected, and we stand firmly with all migrants and others who face harassment or violence simply because of who they are.
'If you witness or experience racism or a hate crime, please contact us at 083 008 6391 or email: [e-mail]'