Dublin protests turn violent after alleged assault of 10-year-old by migrant; police helicopter targeted | Watch 

Protests erupted in Dublin, Ireland, after the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl by a 26-year-old man at a hotel housing asylum seekers, triggering violent clashes with police. The unrest began outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, southwest of the city, where around 2,000 people had gathered.

The accused, who appeared in court on Tuesday, was charged with sexual assault and reportedly requested a Romanian interpreter. While police have not confirmed his nationality, local media reported that he is an asylum seeker. The girl, who was under the care of Ireland’s child and family agency, Tusla, had reportedly “absconded” during a city trip before the incident.

What began as a demonstration soon escalated into violence. Protesters launched fireworks and bottles at officers, set a police van ablaze, and targeted a police helicopter with lasers. Some individuals were seen carrying garden forks and other makeshift weapons. The Gardaí deployed public order units in full protective gear, along with mounted and dog units, to disperse the crowd.
“Garda Public Order Units were deployed in full protective equipment and utilised incapacitant spray to repel sustained physical attacks on police personnel,” the Garda said in a statement. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the violence as “thuggery” and described the rioters as “a mob intent on violence against Garda.”

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan called the events “unacceptable” and warned of a “forceful response.” He said, “The weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected. This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response.” He added that the violence did not represent the residents of Saggart but “a criminal minority instilling fear within the community.”

Police confirmed that the protests had been fuelled by groups using social media to spread hate and incite violence. At least six people were arrested during the clashes, and one female officer was treated for a foot injury.