Model Thalia Heffernan experienced a terrifying mugging today in Dublin by a “ruthless” teenage gang.
The 20-year-old was targeted by a girl just a couple of years younger than her as she walked in the capital this morning, and was repeatedly hit in the face before her backpack was stolen from her. It happened in the early hours of the morning on Mercer Street, between Grafton Street and George’s Street.
Ever the pro, the brave Morgan The Agency beauty modelled in this morning’s Brown Thomas AW 15 show despite what had happened, but she has just shared a Facebook post detailing the traumatic incident.
“To the horrible girl who hit me in the face and robbed my bag this morning, to the guy who helped her, and to their theiving little friends for watching, my sincerest f*** you,” she said.
“No older than around 18, this young girl hit me three or more times in the face, elbowed and shoved me in an attempt to pull my backpack off my arm, while another young guy came behind me and grabbed the other side. Nearly pulling my jumper and arms with them, they ran away with everything I had.”
Thalia said that she felt there was nothing she could do to defend herself, except “screaming and crying after them”.
“I knew if I tried to fight back that it would end badly, and maybe even with me in hospital,” she commented. “Even now, a number of hours later, I’m still shaking writing this.. No matter how hard you train or how well your capable of fighting your corner, young kids in gangs like this can render you completely useless.
“They’re ruthless and will do anything to get what they want. I don’t understand how anyone could ever even consider doing that to another person”.
It could happen to absolutely anyone, and I’m telling you now they show no mercy.
The young model, who has just landed back in the capital after a girlie holiday in Bulgaria with best friend Holly Carpenter, insists she won’t take the mugging lying down.
“I hope I can help the gardai in identifying at least some of them, and eventually have them all pay for what they’ve done not only to me but countless others,” she wrote.
Support from fellow models and pals poured in on the FB post, with Jo Archbold writing: “Speechless. That is disgusting. I can’t even begin to understand why someone would ever stoop that low. Hope you are okay girl xx”.
Thalia is now warning others to be extra cautious while walking in the city: “Please, please, please warn your friends and family. Especially, but not soully, anyone young or particularly vulnerable. Stay in groups at night and in the early hours of the morning and if at all possible avoid wandering the streets at all.
“I was on my way to work, I wasn’t under the influence, I was simply walking in my gym gear to a show and they caught me off guard. It could happen to absolutely anyone, and I’m telling you now they show no mercy.”
