Uniformed gardaí were sporadically pelted with fireworks and other objects as they formed a line to block the entrance to the facility, before public order gardaí moved in front of their line with riot shields to block objects being thrown. A large crowd has gathered at the entrance to the complex for a second night after scenes of violence on Tuesday. Bricks, fireworks and other missiles were launched at gardaí last night, seven people have been arrested in connection with the public disorder
Almost 300 gardaí attend the scene Gardaí use pepper spray as fireworks and bottles are hurled at them Gardaí in riot gear push protesters back as the garda helicopter is deployed Luas services from Saggart to Belgard are suspended Justice Minister vows 'forceful response from gardaí' A garda vehicle was also set on fire as a large crowd gathered at the Citywest Hotel on Tuesday evening. Taoiseach Micheal Martin condemned the scenes, stating there could be "no justification" for attacks on gardai.
During the evening there were sustained attacks on Garda Cordons, including physical violence, bricks thrown and fireworks discharged at Garda members and the arson of a Garda van. Bins with hundreds of used glass bottles in the area were emptied and contents used as missiles. Attempts to breach the Garda cordon were also made by charging the line with horse drawn sulkies. Individuals were observed carrying implements such as garden forks and tools and damaging walls in the locality to obtain missiles.
Speaking to former Tory councillor and conspiracy theorist William Coleshill, the protester said: Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer. Coleshill pushed back, saying the Labour leader should instead face trial and be lawfully executed. The clip, filmed among the estimated 110,000-strong crowd, has been widely shared online and triggered furious reactions. A jail sentence is in the post for this chump! one user posted. Another added: Hope the Met get this man.
Local SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan condemned the trouble, noting that 'thugs came to Derry masked and armed with an array of weapons.' He emphasized the unprecedented scale of the violence and danger to the public.