Six people have been arrested following disturbances at a site in Co Wicklow earmarked for asylum seekers.
The incident happened as protests had been staged outside the premises at River Lodge, known as Trudder House, in Newtownmountkennedy.
A Garda spokesperson said officers “came under attack” in an incident which they said developed as a result of workers, contracted to carry out lawful employment on the site, entering the site.
The spokesperson added that a number of trespassers were also identified on and removed from the site on Thursday night.
“Uniform gardaí have been the subject of both verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated into rocks and other missiles being thrown this evening.
“Fires have been lit and an axe has been recovered by Gardaí during this evening's incident.
“As the situation has intensified, members of An Garda Síochána used force to defend themselves as part of an escalated response to the situation.
“Assistance was provided by members of An Garda Síochána Public Order Unit and approximately 50 members of An Garda Síochána remain at the scene this evening. The use of force included the use of Incapacitant spray and deployment of Public Order Gardaí in Public Order helmets and shields,” the statement said.
Six people were arrested for alleged offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, and gardaí confirmed three patrol cars were also damaged during the incident.
“An Garda Síochána respects the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights; this right does not extend to breaches of Criminal Law, the interference with the rights of other citizens to carry out their daily activities, or to attack members of An Garda Síochána.
“Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety, with enforcement as a last resort.
“An Garda Síochána is also aware of misinformation and disinformation being spread in relation to this ongoing incident,” the Garda spokesperson added.
Reporting by Rebecca Black, PA
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