Teen arrested by Gardaí investigating violent LGBT hate crime at Phoenix Park
Gardaí have reportedly been in contact with gay advocacy groups following the incident
A teenager has been arrested in connection to a violent hate crime which occurred at Phoenix Park this week (Monday June 17).
It is believed to have been an LGBT-hate motivated crime, with the Irish Examiner alleging a 'hunt' of gay men.
The alleged hunt was also brought up by Senator Barry Ward in the Seanad on Wednesday (June 19).
According to An Garda Síochána, Gardaí received an anonymous call at approximately 11.30pm on Monday relating to a violent incident, after which a search of the area took place.
Officers identified a man aged in his late teens as a suspect and he was arrested yesterday (Saturday June 22) on suspicion of committing an offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act, 1997.
He is detained at a Garda station in North Dublin.
He has since been charged and will appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) tomorrow morning (Monday June 24).
In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said, "An Garda Síochána takes any crime or incident, with a hate motivation, seriously, and incidents reported to us are professionally investigated.
"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with direct knowledge or who has been a victim of such an incident in the area to contact An Garda Síochána either at Cabra Garda Station on 01 666 7400, the Diversity Unit at the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau on 01 666 3150 or through an advocacy group.
"Following the reports of this alleged incident, An Garda Síochána through the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau and Community Policing Unit in Cabra Garda Station has been in contact with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups."
Investigations are ongoing.