The riot that broke out in Dublin after the stabbing incident, severely injuring three young children, turned violent with many including police officials injured. According to Irish Police, 34 were arrested in connection with the riot.
"Overall we have 34 arrests, 32 of which will be appearing before the courts this morning," Police Commissioner Drew Harris told a press conference.
Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the situation as “very volatile”. “There could be prison sentences of up to 12 years for attacking gardai,” she said.
At least 100 people took to the strerts with some armed with metal bars and covering their faces on Thursday evening. The riot police had to intervene to calm the situation on the streets with the rioters torching the vehicles and attacking stores.
Following the attack outside a school, the girl was grievously injured and is currently receiving medical treatment in a Dublin hospital. The two others injured in the incident was also undergoing medical treatment.
Over 400 police officers were deployed in Dublin city centre to contain the unrest.
A police cordon was also set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were in nearby Grafton Street.
A number of police vehicles and a tram were damaged during the clashes, while a bus and car were also set on fire on the city's O'Connell Bridge.
Several stores were looted amid the riots as well. Public transport in the city including trams and buses was suspended. Many companies urged their staff to work from home on Friday.
“We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence," said Harris.
Police and politicians called for calm and warned against misinformation over the attack earlier in the day.
Justice Ministe said that the scenes we were witnessing this evening won't be tolerated.
Earlier the police had said that they have not ruled out the potential terrorist link as the motive behind the attack.
Irish police also said one police officer was seriously injured in Dublin riot.
After three young children was stabbed, it had sparked a night of rioting rarely seen before the capital.
Police blamed the far right agitators for starting the violence after a small group of anti-immigrant protesters arrived at the scene of the stabbing attack beside the main thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and clashed with police.
(With agencies inputs)
