Overview
- A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old near the Citywest Hotel, with Gardaí saying the investigation remains active.
- Tusla said the child, who has been in state care since February, absconded during a supervised trip before later reporting involvement in a serious incident.
- Hundreds gathered outside the Citywest site on Tuesday night as clashes escalated, with fireworks and bottles thrown at officers and a Garda van set on fire.
- An Garda Síochána reported six arrests, one officer with a foot injury, attempts to charge police lines using horse-drawn carts, laser targeting of the helicopter, and the deployment of public order units, mounted officers, pepper spray, and a water cannon.
- The Garda Commissioner condemned the violence as thuggery, the Justice Minister vowed that those responsible will face justice, and the Taoiseach decried the abuse of officers while acknowledging a failure to protect the child; officials have not confirmed the suspect’s nationality despite media reports he is an asylum applicant.