Safety · Dublin
Garda assaulted and threatened with imitation firearm during Dublin arrest attempt
Gardaí in Dublin city centre were threatened with what is believed to be a realistic imitation firearm early on Saturday, 31 October 2026, after a cyclist fled a patrol and a struggle broke out. One garda was slightly injured, and the weapon was thrown into the River Liffey.
AI text based on reports by BBC, TheJournal.ie and RTE.ie. Published . How it is made
For membersThe first 30 seconds for everyone. Synthetic voice (AI).
In brief
One garda was assaulted and received minor injuries during a struggle that followed the pursuit of a cyclist on Abbey Street shortly before 5am on 31 October 2026.
Gardaí say the suspect produced a firearm and aimed it at three officers, and a preliminary examination of a recovered magazine indicates a realistic imitation firearm.
The suspect threw the gun into the River Liffey while fleeing, and searches of the area and the river were ongoing at the time of reporting.
Gardaí ask witnesses and motorists with dash-cam recordings from 4.45am to 5.15am on 31 October 2026 to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000.
- StruggleA struggle breaks out after the man is apprehended, and one garda is assaulted with minor injuries.
- Firearm aimedThe suspect produces a firearm and aims it at the gardaí, who are forced to take cover.
- Weapon thrown into River LiffeyThe suspect throws the firearm into the River Liffey and flees the scene.
What happened on Abbey Street
Gardaí on patrol on Abbey Street in Dublin city centre, shortly before 5am on Saturday, 31 October 2026, noticed a cyclist acting suspiciously. When they tried to speak with him he rode off, and two uniformed gardaí and a trainee garda chased him. The pursuit ended when officers caught up with him, and a struggle broke out.
Injury and the imitation firearm
During that struggle one garda was assaulted and received minor injuries. Gardaí say the suspect then took out a firearm and pointed it at all three officers, forcing them to take cover. A magazine from the weapon was recovered and sent for forensic testing, and a preliminary examination indicates the gun is a realistic imitation firearm. Until the forensic work is complete, that preliminary finding is the basis for describing the weapon.
Search for the weapon
After the suspect threw the gun into the River Liffey while fleeing, gardaí began searching the surrounding area and the river. The gun had not been recovered when the reports were written. Searches are continuing, and the forensic examination of the magazine is still pending.
Commissioner's response
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly commended the officers involved and said the case showed the risks gardaí face on every shift.
“This incident demonstrates once again the potential dangers that our members face every day they put on their uniform and go out to work.”
He described the incident as one more example of gardaí doing more than their duty to keep people safe.
Appeal for witnesses and footage
Gardaí are asking anyone who saw the incident to come forward. They also want camera recordings, including dash-cam footage from drivers, from the streets around Temple Bar, the Quays, Jervis Street and Abbey Street, covering the period from 4.45am to 5.15am on 31 October 2026. Material can be passed to Store Street Garda Station (01 666 8000), the Garda Confidential Line (1800 666 111) or any garda station.
Ask about this text
Sources and context
- Justin Kelly
- Garda Commissioner who commended the officers involved in the Abbey Street incident
- Places
- Dublin
Pollar is free and carries no ads in the text. Its members keep it going.
Support Pollar