Josh Dunne, a promising young footballer from Dublin, was killed tragically while trying to defuse a row over a stolen bike, gardaí believe.

The incident happened in Dublin's North inner city, shortly after 9pm on Tuesday, January 27. Detectives believe that Dunne (16) and his friends came across two people assaulting a 23-year-old man, who was accused of stealing a delivery cyclist's bike. They tried to intervene, according to reports, only to have the violence turned on them.

Both the teenagers involved were stabbed three times. They were rushed to the Mater Hospital, Dublin, where Josh was later pronounced dead. The 23-year-old man also suffered stab wounds and is in hospital. Detectives believe that Josh was with a group of up to eight teenage boys and girls at the time, and have spoken to those who were at the scene, in order to piece together the details of what happened.

"This incident escalated from the alleged theft of a bike to a fatal stabbing,” a senior Garda source said. "The teenager killed had absolutely nothing to do with the initial incident and appears to have been trying to calm the situation when he was stabbed."

"Everyone at Bohemians is devastated to learn of the death of Bohs-SKB player Josh Dunne, who died in tragic circumstances last night," a statement released by Bohemians Football Club said.

"Josh was a talented and well-liked young footballer, who will be sadly missed by all of his former team-mates and coaches. We extend our deepest condolences to those former team-mates and coaches, and to all his family, friends and schoolmates."

Read the statement in full below.

"Everyone at Bohemians is devastated to learn of the death of Bohs-SKB player Josh Dunne, who died in tragic circumstances last night," said the Bohemians Football Club.

"Josh was a talented and well-liked young footballer, who will be sadly missed by all of his former team-mates and coaches.

"We extend our deepest condolences to those former team-mates and coaches, and to all his family, friends and schoolmates."

"Josh died last night as a result of a stabbing incident in East Wall. An Garda Síochána have launched a murder investigation and we echo their appeal for witnesses to come forward.

"An Garda Síochána are appealing for anyone who was in the East Road, East Wall area between 9pm and 9.40pm and who may have any information or footage, including dash cam, to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

"This is an extremely difficult time for all of Josh's team-mates. The loss of someone so young in such circumstances will be hard for them to comprehend.

Bohemian Football Club encourages them, or their parents on their behalf, to come forward and seek help if they are struggling. We will do all we can to support our players, past or present."