UPDATE: Irish news outlet Gript Media reported later on Thursday that the main suspect in police custody is believed to be an Algerian national.
Five people, including three children, have been rushed to hospital after being attacked in Dublin city centre.
The stabbing attack occurred on Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm.
Irish police said they are following a “definite line of inquiry” following the serious incident.
A Garda spokesperson added that they are not looking for any other person at this time.
The area has been cordoned off as officers remain at the scene.
One of the children, a girl, and a woman sustained serious injuries while a man and the two other children sustained less serious injuries.
The Garda said it had been in contact with the parents of the injured children.
A spokesperson said: “Five casualties have been taken to various hospitals in the Dublin region.
“The casualties include an adult male, an adult female and three young children.
“One child, a girl, has sustained serious injuries, the other two children are being treated for less serious injuries.“
An Garda Siochana is in contact with parents of all three injured children.”
Five ambulances and four Dublin Fire Brigade vehicles were called to the scene of the major incident.
Pictures online show emergency vehicles parked around Parnell Square, on Parnell Square East.
The large number of emergency service vehicles appear to be outside primary school, Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.
Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was “deeply shocked” by the “appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman”.
McEntee said: “All our thoughts are with those injured, especially with the children, their parents and families, during this extremely difficult period.
“I have been briefed by the Garda Commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior Gardai.
“It is my understanding that Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for any other person at this time. This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice.
“However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time.”
https://www.gbnews.com/news/world/dublin-stabbing-three-children-attacked-girls-school-hospital
