Police in Dublin attacked at protest outside asylum seeker hotel

Irish police have come under attack at a protest outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Dublin.

Footage from the scene at the Citywest Hotel showed a police vehicle on fire.

Broadcaster RTÉ is reporting that several thousand people have gathered outside the hotel.

Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said there was "no excuse" for the violent scenes.

O'Callaghan said people threw missiles and fireworks at gardaí (Irish police).

"This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the gardai," he said. "Those involved will be brought to justice.

"It is clear to me from talking to colleagues that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it.

"Attacks on gardaí will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not."