Violent protests erupt outside Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers

LONDON - A police van has been set on fire and officers have come under attack as protests turned violent outside a Dublin hotel used to house asylum seekers, according to local media on Tuesday.

The protests came after a man, identified by local media as an asylum seeker, allegedly assaulted a 10-year-old girl in the vicinity of the Citywest Hotel on Monday morning.

The violence erupted on the second night of demonstrations outside the hotel. Footage from the scene showed protesters launching projectiles at the police, throwing fireworks, and setting a police vehicle on fire.

"The scenes of public disorder we have witnessed at Citywest tonight must be condemned," Irish Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan said in a statement.

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged assault, the minister said, adding, "Those involved will be brought to justice."