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A gang of up to 50 youths caused havoc in west Dublin after they launched an unprovoked attack on on a group of young people waiting for a bus into town for New Year's celebrations.

The incident happened in Foxborough as a group of about ten men and women were approached at the stop by the youths who were "looking to start something", according to a witness.

The huge gang, some of whom were as young as 14 and carrying knives, then attacked the innocent group before a heroic Dublin Bus driver arrived and let them seek refuge on board.

In a video posted online, people can be seen waiting anxiously on the bus before one of the reckless teens smashes a window.

There were no major injuries reported although some of the men were left with cuts and bruises on their faces meaning they had to cut their night shorts.

(Image: Facebook)

One witness told Dublin Live that the gang were attacking the young women as well as the men and heaped praise on the bus driver who stopped the situation becoming "a hell of a lot worse".

He said: "They came over and were looking for an excuse to start something.

"One of the lads pulled a knife, and he was only about 14.

"Some were older, about 17/18. But they started swinging for all of us.

"I was lucky enough not to be assaulted, but they were going for the girls too.

"Fair play to the bus driver, it would have been a lot worse if he didn't stop.

"It was shocking, I don't think anyone was badly injured but a couple of the lads had their nights ruined because their faces were busted. They knew they wouldn't be able to get into any club so they had to go home."

(Image: Facebook)

The man went on to say that he had never seen the gang before and he doesn't think they're from the Lucan area.

He said: "I had never seen this group before in my life. I don't think they're from around.

"We did absolutely nothing to start them off, they just appeared looking for a fight.

"We hadn't said a word, we didn't want to give them any excuse.

"It was horrible. You can't do anything these days."

After getting everyone on board, the bus driver then took them to Heuston Station before terminating the route due to the damage.

Gardai were notified of the incident.