Six arrested at ‘violent’ protest in Dublin

SIX people were arrested at what police said was a “violent” protest outside an asylum-seeker hotel in southwest Dublin this week, following allegations that a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted.

- 

Ireland’s government and police condemned the protests, which took place after local media reported that a 26-year-old man accused of assaulting the girl was an asylum seeker.

The Irish state police force, known as the Garda, said six people were arrested and officers were subject to “sustained violence” as protesters launched bricks, glass bottles and fireworks at the police.

“This was obviously not a peaceful protest,” said police commissioner Justin Kelly.

“The actions this evening can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence against Garda,” Kelly added.

At least 1 000 protesters gathered outside the Citywest hotel in Saggart, southwest of Dublin, near the location of the alleged assault.