The horrific incident, which saw carpet knives being produced as well as a floor mop, left a teen hospitalised
Feuding Traveller families clashed at an Irish shopping centre on the weekend, wielding carpet knives and a floor mop in a violent brawl that left a teenager hospitalised.
The disturbing incident, which has raised concerns of potential repercussions, occurred around 3:30 pm and sent shockwaves through the centre as the gang, some of whom were bare-chested, rampaged through the premises, armed with knives.
Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with frightened shoppers attempting to flee the area while others watched in horror.
The 45-second video capturing the altercation begins with three men standing outside the centre, goading each other before punches are thrown.
The brawl spilling inside the shopping centre where two of the topless men continued to fight, with sources confirming that knives were produced during the melee. The fight continued, involving a third topless male, in full view of traumatised shoppers.
A man in blue shorts was seen on the escalator, bleeding from his stomach area, before another individual struck him with a floor mop.
The injured man managed to escape his attackers by walking up the down escalator, as a voice in the background shouted, “We got him,” and “Come back down,” before the video cuts off.
Sources revealed to Belfast Live that the group of lads involved in the shocking incident are not local to Newbridge, suggesting it was a premeditated attack.
“They were practically sword fighting with each other with the Stanley knives in front of shocked shoppers on a Sunday afternoon. They seemed to have complete disregard for anyone else around them.”
Insiders also expressed concerns about potential fallout from the violent episode. The injured lad was reportedly treated at Naas General Hospital, where he received stitches for his stomach wound.
As of now, no arrests have been made and gardai are actively investigating the incident, urging any witnesses to step forward. In an official statement, they said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an assault on Main Street, Newbridge, Co Kildare on Sunday, September 7.
“Gardaí were alerted to the incident at a commercial premises at approximately 3.30pm. A male juvenile was treated at Naas General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.
“Any pedestrians or road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Newbridge Garda Station on (045) 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing.”
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