In a shocking incident that took place on Thursday in Dublin city centre, five people, including three young children, were rushed to the hospital following a stabbing attack. Irish police have apprehended a suspect in connection with the incident.

According to reports from local media, the incident occurred on Dublin's Parnell Square, near the bustling O'Connell Street. Witnesses at the scene described the chaos and pandemonium that ensued as the attack unfolded. One witness reported seeing a man in a "stabbing motion" from across the road, and upon closer inspection, discovered two children had been stabbed.

Anthony Boyle, a resident living on the same road and a passerby during the incident, spoke to Reuters and described the distressing scene he encountered. He recounted seeing a child, a little girl, lying on the ground amidst the chaos. "There was complete and utter pandemonium, women wailing, men screaming and crying," Boyle said. He also noted that an adult male was found lying on his side, though he did not witness the events leading up to it.

The injured victims were swiftly taken to the hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that one girl suffered serious injuries, while the other two children are being treated for less severe injuries. An adult female is also being treated for serious injuries, while an adult male sustained less serious injuries.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, as investigators continue their efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Irish Times reported that while early indications suggest that a man attempted to attack a group of young people, passersby intervened to protect them. The attack took place in close proximity to a school, causing further concern among the local community.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed his shock and concern about the incident in a statement, stating, "We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square."

The area where the incident occurred has been cordoned off by the police, who have maintained a strong presence at the scene. It has been reported that the detained suspect has sustained self-inflicted wounds.

Authorities are working diligently to determine the full extent of the incident and gather evidence to shed light on the motive behind the attack. In the meantime, the community remains united in support of the victims and their families as they recover from this terrifying ordeal.