HORROR ATTACK
Manhunt underway as teenage tourist left with severe injuries after face slashed in horrifying Dublin assault
It's understood the pair were making their first visit to Dublin
A MANHUNT is underway for a thief who slashed an innocent tourist in the face during a terrifying robbery.
The incident happened at 1.30am last Friday morning when the Welsh tourist, 19, and his teenage friend were standing in the Smithfield area of the capital.
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The pair were approached by a man who threatened them with a knife as he demanded their phones.
He then grabbed one of the phones and ran off.
But he was chased by the two pals who managed to catch up with him.
During a confrontation with the tourists, the suspect slashed one of the teens across the face.
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He was later treated at the Mater Hospital and could be left with permanent scarring.
It's understood the pair were making their first visit to Dublin.
The suspect also threw the device onto a nearby Luas track and it has since been recovered.
Although Gardai attempted to find the attacker after the alarm was raised, they have been unable to locate him
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As part of their efforts to identify him, investigators are trawling through CCTV footage.
The two robbery victims have since returned to Wales.
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One source said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent teenager.
"The two friends were simply minding their own business when they approached.
"The suspect ran off and when confronted about the robbery he produced a blade and attacked one of the tourists."
Gardai have urged anyone who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.
In a statement, they said: "Gardai at Bridewell Garda Station are appealing for witnesses following the assault of a young man in Smithfield, Dublin, on Friday, June 7, 2024.
"Gardai responded to reports of an assault at Smithfield Square, Dublin 7, shortly after 1:30 a.m. on June 7. A 19-year-old male was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and was later discharged.
"A technical examination of the scene has been carried out, and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
"Gardai are appealing for witnesses and anyone with video footage from the Luas stop in Smithfield Square area between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. to come forward.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridewell Garda Station at 01 666 8200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."