The suspect in the Dublin nursery stabbing, which sparked violent riots in Ireland’s capital has suffered “extensive” brain injuries which “may be permanent”, it has been claimed.

An Garda Siochana did not comment on claims by a source who told the Irish Mirror that the suspect “is in a bad way”, adding: “His head injuries are extensive and may be permanent.”

It comes as the five-year-old girl who was stabbed remains in critical condition at CHI Temple Street, while the children’s care assistant, a woman aged in her 30s, is in a serious but stable condition in The Mater Hospital.

Jeff Gallagher, a candidate for the Dublin City Council, said the little girl, the child of a migrant family, is clinically dead. We can’t confirm it.

There is more information on the suspect than on the little girl.