A promising young footballer was stabbed to death in the capital after trying to intervene in a row over a stolen bike, gardaí believe.
Josh Dunne (16) died after being stabbed three times during a public order incident in Dublin’s north inner city shortly after 9pm on Tuesday.
Football clubs that the talented teenager played for, including Dundee United and Bohemians FC, have led tributes to him.
Detectives believe Josh and his friends came across two people assaulting a 23-year-old man who was accused of stealing a delivery cyclist’s bike.
As Josh and a 16-year-old friend attempted to calm the situation, the pair were stabbed three times each and seriously injured during the incident on East Road, East Wall.
Online fundraiser for tragic Dublin teen Josh Dunne raises six times the goal amount in six hours
It is believed that brave Josh was trying to defend a delivery driver who was being attacked by other youngsters on the road
Josh Dunne, RIP
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Gardaí investigate fatal stabbing of John Dunne
The 16-year-old boy was killed in East Wall following a row involving a number of people.
Reporter with the Irish Independent Robin Schiller, says the investigation has progressed over the past 24 hours. It appears that Josh and his 16 year old friend tried to intervene and calm the situation but unfortunately suffered injuries, and as we know now with Josh fatal injuries. Gardaí certainly had no involvement in the initial incident, and was acting as a peacemaker when he unfortunately was stabbed. Gardaí have certainly progressed the situation and the investigation. They ve spoken to nearly everybody that was there that night, including up to 8 of Josh s friends.
He came from a big family with several other brothers and sisters. Among the many flowers left at the scene was one with a card from his family. âSuch a beautiful soul, a bright career ahead and taken so suddenly, we miss you,â it said.
Another was left by Adam, one of his best friends: âJosh bro, I loved ye so much and canât put into words how heartbroken I am . . . Donât forget to look over me and Kyle,â it said.
A postmortem will be carried out on the teenagerâs body on Wednesday afternoon at the City Morgue by Dr Heidi Okkers, Locum Assistant State Pathologist.