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Irish police have condemned the scenes at Citywest as “thuggery” and “an attempt to intimidate”.
A Garda spokesperson said yesterday: “This evening, members of An Garda Síochána on duty at a public gathering at Citywest were subjected to sustained levels of violence. This was not a peaceful protest. The violence exhibited was thuggery and an attempt to intimidate and injure.
“During the evening there were sustained attacks on Garda Cordons, including physical violence, bricks thrown and fireworks discharged at Garda members and the arson of a Garda van.
“Bins with hundreds of used glass bottles in the area were emptied and contents used as missiles. Attempts to breach the Garda cordon were also made by charging the line with horse drawn sulkies. Individuals were observed carrying implements such as garden forks and tools and damaging walls in the locality to obtain missiles.
“The Garda helicopter was targeted with lasers. One member of An Garda Síochána has received medical attention for a foot injury. Six persons have been arrested, primarily for Public Order Offences.
“An Garda Síochána had a policing operation in place for this public gathering organised by disparate groups on social media, who stir up hatred and violence and encourage and entice others to get involved.
“Over the course of the evening nearly 300 members of An Garda Síochána were on duty, including over 125 uniform members, 150 Public Order members, Water Cannon, Mounted Unit and Dog Unit supported by members in Air Support Unit and Regional Control rooms.
“Units across the Dublin Region were supported by colleagues from the Garda Eastern Region. An Garda Síochána Public Order Incident Command policy was implemented.
“Garda Public Order Units were deployed in full protective equipment and utilised Incapacitant spray to repel sustained physical attacks on Garda Lines. An investigation has been commenced and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed.”
