The riots happened after a man armed with a knife attacked a group of young children outside a school in Parnell Square. Gardaí regained control, but only after considerable damage to people, property and the reputation of our country. The riots were a wake-up call for the public about how quickly mayhem can descend on and spread through the streets, and the considerable challenges facing gardaí in a fast-paced scenario in which extremists will foment violence and take the law into their own hands.
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.
Gardaí and paramedics were alerted to a residential property in Donaghamede, Dublin 13, at around noon. The Irish Independent understands that the incident also involves juveniles. Three males are believed to have suffered injuries with gardaí probing if a knife or sharp object was used in an assault. Gardaí this afternoon have not confirmed the conditions of the injured males.
