Dublin man (20) arrested over fatal stabbing

A 20-YEAR-OLD man has been stabbed to death in a row between neighbours in west Dublin.

Colm Hughes died from multiple stab wounds following the incident which occurred yesterday at about 1am in Fortlawn Avenue, Clonsilla.

According to gardaí, the assault happened after Mr Hughes and his partner had a row which was noticed by neighbours.

Mr Hughes took exception to being watched and had words with a woman who had been observing them. He then went into the house and got a knife, crossed the road and attempted to attack the woman.

A man who had also been observing the incident went and got a knife himself and stabbed Mr Hughes several times on the street outside.

Gardaí were called at about 1.30am and the victim was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. He died of his stab wounds six hours later.

Mr Hughes was known to gardaí and had been involved with drugs and in a serious assault locally.

A 20-year-old man from Mulhuddart was arrested and detained last night in Blanchardstown Garda station, where he was being questioned under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

The man had been staying with his girlfriend, who lives in Fortlawn Avenue, when the incident occurred.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the crime. The scene was sealed off yesterday morning and members of the Garda Crime Scene Investigation Unit combed the area for clues.

Garda sources say the row appeared to have gone on for a considerable period of time before the fatal incident took place.

They are following a definite line of inquiry and are appealing for witnesses.

Anybody with information should contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-6667000, the Garda confidential line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.