Violent clashes broke out between protesters and police in Dublin on Thursday (November 23, 2023) after a knife attack in the city left five people, including three children, injured, media reports said.
According to reports, the streets of Dublin are mostly calm at present.
“Dublin city centre is now calm and returning to normal,” Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin was quoted as saying by RTE.
Authorities launched a major operation to bring the situation in the city under control.
The gardai, as the Irish police are known, told CNN in a statement, “Further information and details of specific incidents we be provided at the conclusion of this operation.”
Several videos are circulating on social media where protesters could be seen destroying police vehicles.
Some protesters can be heard on video chanting anti-immigrant slogans, reported CNN.
How did the clash begin
The unrest began in Dublin following a heated demonstration at the scene of the stabbing attack on five people.
A demonstration at the edge of the police cordon at the scene began in the early afternoon and escalated as the evening went on, reported RTE.
A crowd of between 100 and 200 people, some of whom wore scarves to cover their faces, confronted gardaí verbally before clashes erupted with riot police, the news portal of the Irish broadcaster reported.
The protesters were seen holding tricolours and an “Irish lives matter” sign during the violent demonstration.
What led to the clash
Police have arrested a person for allegedly stabbing five people including three children.
Police said the incident occurred on Parnell Square.
The Irish police said they aren’t considering terrorism as a motive for the “serious assault” in the city, reported CNN.
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident and posted on X:”Shocked by the brutal attack that injured several people in Dublin, including children.”
“Grateful to first responders who tended to the victims and to the people who intervened on the scene. Tonight my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the people of Ireland,” she said.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the incident left her ‘deeply shocked’.
“A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc,” she said.