Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to an assault on 2 men and a boy in South Dublin.

Gardaí would not comment  on reports that they are investigating claims that the attack was racially motivated. 

One of the men is in a serious condition following the attack on Thursday night.

The three victims were cycling on Broadford Road in Ballinteer at around 8.20pm on Thursday, when they were attacked by four other men in a blue Peugeot car.

It is reported that the victims were kicked, punched, and possibly hit over head by a bottle.

The four suspects left the scene in the blue Peugeot in the direction of Dundrum.

Two of the victims were taken to St James' Hospital, where one is described as being in a serious condition, while the boy was taken to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, for what are believed to be minor injuries.

It is understood the three victims are related.

Any witnesses to the incident are being asked to contact Gardaí at Dundrum.