GARDAÍ SEALED OFF a number of locations around Dublin’s Grafton Street this morning after a suspected overnight assault in which a woman was beaten.

Patches of blood were visible at the scene. 

It is understood that the incident happened in the early hours with several locations blocked off for forensic examinations. 

Blood was visible in a shopfront and there were intermittent splashes down the street. 

It is believed that a woman was attacked on the street. Initial indications were that a weapon was not used in the incident.

A garda spokeswoman said that the injuries were not life-threatening. 

“Gardaí and emergency services responded to report of an alleged assault on Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, that occurred at approximately 4.40am.

“A woman, aged in her 50s, was conveyed to St James’s Hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time. Investigations ongoing,” she said. 

This morning at a press conference Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan was asked again if Dublin was a safe city. 

He defended the city and said that because of the size of Dublin it is impossible to avoid violent incidents.

“Dublin is a very large city. There’s over a million people in Dublin. We are going to have incidents that happen in Dublin of criminal behaviour.

“No government or no person or no Garda Commissioner can ensure that there won’t be criminal activity within Dublin, but I am pleased with the new high visibility policing and the increased numbers coming into An Garda Síochána.

“That there’s a greater sense of safety around the city. Obviously, an incident like last night gets a lot of media attention, but I think we need to reflect upon the fact that it is not representative in general.

“Dublin is a very safe place, and I want to see more people coming into Dublin,” he said. 

With reporting from Cara McHugh and Kate Henshaw.