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Irish police forces faced off against hundreds of protesters near a capital city facility used to house refugees following allegations of a attack on a young girl.

Intense Clashes and Destruction

The crowd torched a officer car and hurled fireworks and other missiles at officers near the Citywest hotel on Tuesday evening.

Estimates suggest the demonstrators – including individuals waved national banners and carried opposition placards – reached up to 2,000 people.

Context of the Incident

The disturbances flared a day after a man was formally accused in connection with an reported attack. Local media stated that the accused was a 26-year-old asylum seeker and that the reported target was a 10-year-old girl who was assaulted in the vicinity of the Citywest facility, located in the Saggart area.

While a small protest outside the facility passed peacefully on the previous day, on the following evening a significantly bigger group threw stones and traffic cones. Additionally, a law enforcement vehicle was set on fire.

Police Response

Law enforcement, including those equipped with protective gear, head protection and horses, dispersed the demonstrators.

The justice and migration minister denounced the violence. “Regrettably, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to create division in our society is not surprising,” they stated in a statement.

They added: “This is unacceptable and will result in a strong reaction from the gardaí. Participants will be brought to justice. Attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our society. Aggression is not.”

Wider Situation

Demonstrations against foreign nationals and asylum seekers have increased in frequency in recent years, with demonstrators claiming the arrivals of exacerbating a accommodation crisis and contributing to serious offenses.

Extremist agitators have utilized social media and public gatherings to promote a message that “Ireland is full.”

Similar rioting erupted in central Dublin in November 2023 after a man stabbed multiple minors near a primary school. In the summer, crowds targeted international residents in another location following an reported attack. Protests near asylum seeker hotels and facilities also occurred across England during the warmer months.

Additional Details

Earlier on Tuesday, the country's child and family agency stated that the alleged victim of the recent event had been in government custody at the time and that she had “left without authorization” during a trip to the downtown area.

Speaking in parliament, the taoiseach acknowledged “the concern, frustration and worry of many people” over the reported incident. “Clearly, there has been failure here in terms of the government's obligation to protect this child.”