Security worker rushed to hospital after 'suffering heart attack' following alleged confrontation with off-duty garda

• Published date: 17 March 2023
• Publication title: DublinLive (Ireland)

The security officer is critically ill in hospital following the incident early late on Monday night and is fighting for his life in a Dublin hospital. And we have also learned that the garda was arrested following the incident in the centre of Dublin – and has now been suspended

Gardai are investigating the incident on Wexford Street – and have also referred it to the independent policing watchdog, GSOC. Gardai and GSOC confirmed last night each organisation was carrying out investigations into the incident.

We have learned that the off duty garda - who is based on the northside of the city – allegedly became embroiled in a row with a security worker on busy Wexford Street just before midnight on Monday. Gardai from nearby Kevin Street were called to what the force said was a public order incident at 11.45pm – and a man was arrested.

Following the arrest, the security worker suddenly fell ill early on Tuesday – and was hospitalised with a suspected heart attack. Kevin Street gardai fought to save his life and used a defibrillator to keep him alive.

He was then rushed to hospital, where he was seriously ill last night. As well as probing the incident, gardai also referred the matter to GSOC, which probes complaints against serving officers.

But as well as receiving complaints from members of the public GSOC also receives referrals from gardai of the force under section 102 of the Garda Siochana Act – which is if there is indication that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person. Gardai confirmed they were investigating the incident last night.

A spokesman said: "An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of a public order incident that occurred on Wexford Street, at approximately 11:45pm, Monday...