Bricks and bottles thrown at officers - and police helicopter targeted with lasers - as protests turn violent in Dublin

A police officer has been injured after a night of violent protests outside an asylum hotel in Dublin - with six arrests made.

Bricks were thrown and fireworks were discharged outside the Citywest Hotel - with glass bottles used as missiles and a police van set on fire.

A Garda helicopter was also targeted with lasers, and the police service says some of those on the streets were seen carrying garden forks.

Commissioner Justin Kelly added: "This was obviously not a peaceful protest. The actions this evening can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence.

"We will now begin the process of identifying those who committed crimes and we will bring those involved in this violence to justice."

It is the second night of demonstrations after an alleged sexual assault in its vicinity in the early hours of Monday morning.

Some of the crowd threw stones and other missiles at the public order officers as they moved the protesters back - and water cannon was deployed at the scene.

A line of officers was preventing the protesters from approaching the hotel.

'Those involved will be brought to justice'

Ireland's justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said those involved in the violence will be brought to justice.

"The scenes of public disorder we have witnessed at Citywest tonight must be condemned," he said.

"People threw missiles at Gardai, threw fireworks at them and set a Garda vehicle on fire.

"This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the Gardai.

"Those involved will be brought to justice."

'No excuse' for violence

The minister said a man had been arrested and had appeared in court in relation to the alleged assault in the vicinity of the hotel.

He added: "While I am not in a position to comment any further on this criminal investigation, I have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area."

He said attacks on officers would "not be tolerated", adding: "Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not.

"There is no excuse for the scenes we have witnessed tonight."

The demonstration on Monday night passed without a significant incident.

It comes two years after anti-immigrant demonstrators triggered a major riot in the centre of Dublin after three young children were stabbed.

(c) Sky News 2025: Bricks and bottles thrown at officers - and police helicopter targeted with lasers - as protest