Four teenagers in Dublin have been charged with a spate of late night robberies at train platforms along the Maynooth line.

It is alleged one of their victims was seriously injured after being knocked to the ground and beaten.

A joint operation targeting a violent gang along the Maynooth line was launched by gardai at Mountjoy, Finglas and Blanchardstown.

They were responding to reports of late night passengers being mugged on platforms between Broombridge and Clonsilla.

Some of the alleged victims were also robbed on-board the train.

Gardai say one victim (18) was knocked to the ground and kicked for five minutes after departing at one of the stations.

Four young men - aged between 14 and 19 - were arrested yesterday and they were charged this afternoon in connection with the robberies.

The eldest Dean Ayers (19) from Belclare Park in Ballymun is the only one who can be named because the others are juveniles.

The court heard that one of the accused (16) is in State care.

All four have been granted bail and ordered to stay away from all Irish Rail trains and Luas trams ahead of their next court appearances.