A shocking brawl erupted in an Irish shopping centre over the weekend, as feuding Traveller families clashed using carpet knives and a floor mop.
The terrifying incident, which has sparked fears of serious repercussions, resulted in a teenager being hospitalised with a non-life threatening stomach wound.
Horrified shoppers watched on as the violent gang rampaged through the centre at around 3.30pm, while others desperately tried to escape the chaos. Police in the Republic now fear that this could trigger further reprisal attacks between the warring families.
The chilling 45-second video begins with three bare-chested men outside the shopping centre entrance, seemingly taunting each other before two begin to exchange blows.
The fight then spills into the shopping centre, where two of the shirtless men continue their brawl. It’s at this point that knives are brandished, according to sources speaking to Belfast Live.
The two bare-chested men, followed by another topless male, continue their violent confrontation in front of stunned shoppers.
One man, clad in blue shorts, is seen on the escalator with blood pouring from his stomach area, while another man wields a floor mop as a weapon.
Despite his injuries, the man in the blue shorts manages to evade the gang by ascending the ‘Down’ escalitor, as shouts of “We got him,” and “Come back down,” echo out before the video cuts off.
Sources revealed: “The gang of lads are not from the Newbridge area but it appears it was a planned attack,” sources said. “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.”
“There are now fears of serious repercussions following this incident,” insiders told us. The injured party is believed to have received stitches for his stomach wound at Naas General Hospital.
As yet, no arrests have been made as police continue their investigation and appeal for witnesses. In an official statement, the police 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.”