Anti-water charge protesters clash with gardaí

There were tense scenes outside a Dublin Garda station last night as a crowd estimated at more than 200 people clashed with gardaí following the arrest of three anti-water protesters earlier in the day.

Footage recorded by members of the crowd and posted online showed gardaí holding up pepper spray cannisters as they stood in front of members of the public. Many comments on social media claimed gardaí used the spray and questioned the tactics adopted by officers. A spokesman for the force would give no indication as to whether the spray was deployed. There were also reports that bricks were thrown by a small number of people among the crowd.

Some protesters could be heard chanting “shame on you” and “peaceful protest” at the gardaí. Others hurled abuse at officers, one shouting “you will get your jaw broken, you messer” while another called officers “fucking scumbags”.