At least three children have been injured and taken to hospital following a suspected stabbing attack close to a school in the centre of Dublin. 

One of the children is believed to have sustained serious injuries. A woman and a man are also reported to have been wounded. 

In a statement, Irish police said officers were at the scene of a serious incident on Parnell Square and were being assisted by other emergency services. They said they did not believe there was any terrorist motivation to the attack.

Police have cordoned off part of the square, which is next to O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare.

The Irish Times reports that the alleged attacker has been arrested and a large knife seized by police. The alleged attacker sustained wounds that are believed to have been self-inflicted.

Passers-by are reported to have intervened after the man tried to attack a number of young people, including children. The motive for the attack is not known.

It happened as children were coming out of the Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire primary school. Witnesses said they saw a large knife being taken from the suspected assailant and thrown into grass under trees on the opposite side of the road, the Irish Times reported.

Helen McEntee, the Irish justice minister, said she was “deeply shocked” by the “appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman”.

Ms McEntee said: “All our thoughts are with those injured, especially with the children, their parents and families, during this extremely difficult period.

“I have been briefed by the Garda commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior Gardai. It is my understanding that Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for any other person at this time.

“This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice. However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time.”