Crime & Law

Dublin riots in pictures: Vehicles set on fire amid violent clashes with gardaí after stabbing

Drew Harris blames unrest on ’lunatic, hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology’

Dublin riot: Gardai on O’Connell Street after violent scenes unfolded. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins DublinDublin riot: Gardai on O’Connell Street after violent scenes unfolded. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Dublin
Dublin riot: Gardai on O’Connell Street after violent scenes unfolded. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins DublinDublin riot: Gardai on O’Connell Street after violent scenes unfolded. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Dublin
Thu Nov 23 2023 - 21:41

There were violent clashes between large groups of people and gardaí in Dublin on Thursday evening, with vehicles set on fire and severe disruption to transport in the city centre.

At least one Garda vehicle was set on fire on Parnell Street, while a bus and a car were set on fire at the O’Connell Bridge end of O’Connell Street.

[ The Dublin riots: Friday's live news updates ]

Major public disorder erupted in Dublin in the wake of a stabbing incident in which three children were injured, with clashes between groups and police on Parnell Street and O’Connell Street leaving one Garda injured and a number of Garda vehicles damaged. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times
Major public disorder erupted in Dublin in the wake of a stabbing incident in which three children were injured, with clashes between groups and police on Parnell Street and O’Connell Street leaving one Garda injured and a number of Garda vehicles damaged. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times

On every junction facing O’Connell Street strong lines of gardaí, some with helmets and shields, stood blocking entry and shouting at any approachers to “get back” as efforts continued to effectively seal off the capital’s main thoroughfare. The entire width of Abbey Street was covered in flames, seemingly the burning remnants of a vehicle.

A bus set on fire on Dublin's O’Connell Street on Thursday night, Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Dublin
A bus set on fire on Dublin's O’Connell Street on Thursday night, Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Dublin

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris blamed the unrest on a “lunatic, hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology”.

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Scenes from Dublin as protestors clash with gardaí. Photograph: Colin Keegan/ Collins Dublin
Scenes from Dublin as protestors clash with gardaí. Photograph: Colin Keegan/ Collins Dublin
Major public disorder erupted in Dublin, Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times
Major public disorder erupted in Dublin, Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times
Major public disorder erupted in Dublin in the wake of a stabbing incident. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times
Major public disorder erupted in Dublin in the wake of a stabbing incident. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times

In a statement, Helen McEntee said: “The horrific attack today in Dublin city centre was an appalling crime that has shocked us all.

“An Garda Siochana are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else regarding this crime. The perpetrator will be brought to justice.

“However, the scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city centre cannot and will not be tolerated.”

Scenes from Dublin as protestors clash with gardaí. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Scenes from Dublin as protestors clash with gardaí. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
The remains of a bus ablaze on O'Connell Street in Dublin during violent disorder in the wake of a stabbing incident on Parnell Square. Photograph: Jack Power/The Irish Times
The remains of a bus ablaze on O'Connell Street in Dublin during violent disorder in the wake of a stabbing incident on Parnell Square. Photograph: Jack Power/The Irish Times

The significant public disorder erupted following a stabbing earlier in which left five people hospitalised, including the alleged perpetrator, on Thursday. A five-year-old girl is receiving emergency treatment at Temple Street hospital after a stabbing incident. A boy, also aged five, and a girl (6) sustained less serious injuries and were brought to CHI Crumlin for treatment. The boy has since been discharged.

A woman in her 30s was being treated for serious injuries at the Mater hospital. The Irish Times understands she was an employee of the school or afterschool care facility the children were attending.

Gardaí and emergency services at Parnell Square in Dublin in the aftermath of a knife attack. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Gardaí and emergency services at Parnell Square in Dublin in the aftermath of a knife attack. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times