Gardaí fear toddler witnessed attack at home in Blanchardstown

Gardaí arrived at the scene in Blanchardstown on October 4th.

Gardaí are concerned a toddler witnessed a brutal stabbing at a home in Blanchardstown. 47-year-old Virgil Gherghel stabbed a female relative and their partner before turning the knife on himself on October 4th. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead at James Connolly Memorial Hospital shortly after. The two other victims are being treated for serious injuries at the Mater Hospital. Gardaí launched an investigation into the attack, but now fear a toddler witnessed it. It is believed the young child was in the house during the attack at Ashfield Park in Blanchardstown. A source told The Irish Mirror, "Obviously it is very traumatic for the child who was in the house at the time." “It hasn’t been established if the child saw the attack or not, but was uninjured. No matter what, it’s an awful and very tragic situation," they added. A neighbour heard screaming coming from the house and alerted Gardaí. They arrived at the housing estate shortly after 4pm. It is believed the family moved into the estate less than two months ago. Gardaí are not looking for anyone in relation to this incident. It is believed the deceased man stabbed the pair in their 20s before stabbing himself. However, they have called on witnesses to come forward. "Investigating Gardaí are appealing to speak with any person or any road users with camera footage (including dash cam) who may have been in the Ashfield Park area between 12 noon and 4 pm on the afternoon of Monday, October 4, 2021. Anyone with information should contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000. You can also call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.