Dublin witnessed scenes of unprecedented chaos as violent rioters set a Garda police van ablaze and forced officers into a tactical retreat during a night of anarchy that shook the Irish capital.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media shows the terrifying moment the marked police vehicle was engulfed in flames while officers faced petrol bombs and missiles from a rampaging mob.
A City Under Siege
The disturbances erupted with such intensity that Gardaí were compelled to withdraw from the area temporarily, allowing the rioters to establish control of the streets. Witnesses described hearing loud explosions and seeing multiple fires lighting up the night sky as the violence escalated.
Local residents reported being terrified to leave their homes as groups of masked individuals roamed the streets, some armed with makeshift weapons and others hurling projectiles at any remaining police presence.
Emergency Response Stretched
Multiple emergency service units were deployed to contain the situation, with fire brigade crews facing significant challenges reaching the burning vehicle due to the volatile environment. The incident represents one of the most serious outbreaks of public disorder in Dublin in recent years.
Community leaders have expressed outrage at the destruction, while business owners surveyed damage to properties caught in the crossfire of the rioting. The cost of the damage is expected to run into hundreds of thousands of euros.
Political Fallout Begins
Irish politicians have condemned the violence, with Justice Minister Helen McEntee describing the scenes as "completely unacceptable" and vowing that those responsible would face the full force of the law. An intensive investigation is now underway to identify the ringleaders behind the coordinated attack.
The Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward as they work to piece together the events that led to this dramatic escalation in public disorder, which has left many questioning security preparations for handling mass civil unrest.
