Irish police have been attacked with missiles and fireworks at a protest outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Dublin.
A police vehicle was also set on fire at the Citywest Hotel on Tuesday evening. A line of riot police were preventing the protesters getting to the hotel.
Broadcaster RTÉ is reporting that several thousand people had gathered.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there was “no excuse” for the violent scenes.
O’Callaghan said: “This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the gardaà (Irish police).
“Those involved will be brought to justice.
“It is clear to me from talking to colleagues that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it.
“Attacks on gardaà will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not.”
The Irish Times is reporting that police have a water cannon at the scene – the first time it has appeared on streets since it was purchased two years ago.