Two gardai hospitalised and 23 people arrested after second night of violence at Citywest

"Almost 300 gardaí attended the scene yesterday Officers used pepper spray as fireworks and bottles hurled at them Gardaí in riot gear pushed protesters back as the garda helicopter deployed Bricks hurled at gardaí by gang in hoods and masks Justice Minister vows 'forceful response from gardaí' Two gardaí were also taken to hospital, one who was struck in the head with a bottle and another who sustained and arm and shoulder injury while carrying out their duties in a second night of unrest."

"A garda spokesperson said that: "Garda members on cordons were subject to ongoing verbal abuse and subject to missiles (bottles, masonry) being thrown and fireworks discharged at Garda lines. "The public disorder was predominantly carried out by young adult males and teenagers. An Garda Síochána Public Order Incident Command policy was implemented. "Garda Public Order Units were deployed in full protective equipment. "Two members of An Garda Síochána were taken to hospital for medical attention (one struck on the head by a bottle and one with an arm/ shoulder injury). "23 persons have been arrested this evening, primarily for Public Order Offences."

Almost 300 gardaí were deployed to control a large, hostile crowd that threw bricks, bottles and fireworks. Officers used pepper spray and public order units in full protective equipment formed cordons and riot shield lines to block entrances. A garda helicopter was deployed and an additional public order unit arrived later in the night. Two gardaí were taken to hospital — one struck in the head by a bottle and another with an arm and shoulder injury. Officers detained and tackled some persons as units moved in. Twenty-three people were arrested and an investigation into serious public disorder events has been launched. The Justice Minister promised a forceful garda response.

Read at Irish Independent