LAST UPDATE | 21 Feb

GARDAÍ HAVE IDENTIFIED a man critically injured following an alleged assault near Temple Bar earlier this week.

Gardaí had released an image of a distinctive tattoo in a renewed appeal to identify the man.

The man, whose age is unknown, remains in a critical condition at Beaumont Hospital after the incident on Cope Street, Dublin 2, at around 12.30am on Wednesday morning.

Two men were arrested yesterday evening in connection with the investigation.

The men, aged in their 20s and 30s, are currently being detained at garda stations in Dublin.

It is understood the man sustained serious head and facial injuries during the assault, which occurred in an area that sees significant footfall due to its proximity to Temple Bar.

The man was also struck with an e-scooter during the assault.

Cope Street is home to several businesses and sees significant daily footfall due to its proximity to tourist hotspot Temple Bar. Sasko Lazarov / RollingsNews.ie Sasko Lazarov / RollingsNews.ie / RollingsNews.ie

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Cope Street area between midnight and 1am on Wednesday and who may have information, including camera, mobile phone or dash-cam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Investigations are ongoing.

“Investigations are ongoing,” a garda spokesperson said.

The attack has prompted a number of business owners and community leaders in the area to call for increased garda presence in Dublin City centre.