A night-time video captured by Don Róiste shows a Garda van engulfed in flames as a crowd gathers nearby, many recording the dramatic scene on their phones.

The van blazes fiercely, smoke billowing into the dark sky. Flames illuminate the tense crowd as shouts and exclamations echo, including “JJ go on, Snuggie, why don’t you let me get this?” and “Is it on fire,” heightening the chaos.

The violence erupted amid protests linked to an alleged sexual assault near the Citywest Hotel, which serves as an International Protection Accommodation Service centre for asylum seekers.

What began as peaceful demonstrations on Monday night escalated on Tuesday, drawing roughly 2,000 people. Hooded and masked individuals threw objects and fireworks at Gardaí, vandalized a Luas stop, and set the Garda van ablaze.

Garda Commissioner condemned the violence as “thuggery,” emphasizing the mob’s intent to attack police. Six arrests were made during the initial outbreak, prompting the deployment of the Garda Public Order Unit, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Air Support, and water cannon to restore control.