Police van in flames as migrant hotel protest explodes after alleged rape of 10-year-old

A police van has been torched as furious protesters swarm a migrant hotel after reports that a 10-year-old child was allegedly raped. Violent scenes have engulfed the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, with images on social media showing protesters waving flags and large crowds clashing with police.

The frightening clashes come a day after an alleged sexual assault involving an African man and a young Irish female child. According to the latest reports, the incident is quickly escalating, with Gardai (the Irish police) retreating and a police van set alight amid the growing tensions. It is the second night in a row that a protest has been held outside the hotel, which is being used by the Irish government as accommodation for asylum seekers.

A 10-year-old Irish girl is alleged to have been sexually assaulted by a male at the Citywest Hotel in the early hours of Monday.

The Irish Mirror reports, in court on Tuesday, the 26-year-old man replied "I have nothing to say" when he was charged with sexual assault. Defence solicitor told the court there is no bail application and requested the accused be remanded in custody until Wednesday, when a bail application will be made.

Judge Brennan remanded the accused in custody to be produced at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday for a bail application and for DPP directions.

An Arabic interpreter was assigned, and legal aid was also granted as the court heard that the accused is not working. The accused male, dressed in a white t-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, did not address the court during the short hearing.

According to the Irish Mirror, projectiles, including rocks and fireworks, are being thrown at members of the Garda Public Order Unit, who are clad in helmets with shields in their hands, by people gathered at Citywest.

Local councillor Dermot Richardson, who is at the protest, said it started off peaceful but the actions of some have led to the burning of the van, which he said he does not condone. He told us: "I think people were here to support the ten year old girl. That's what this is about. People are fearful.

"I don't condone the burning of the van. That's wrong. It's not right. Violence doesn't get us anywhere with this. We need the government to listen to the people of Saggart. A lot of them are wanting to move out because they are fearful."

There was a "failure" in the case of a girl who was being cared for by the State and was allegedly sexually assaulted in Dublin, the Taoiseach has said.

Speaking in the Dail (Irish Parliament) on Tuesday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the events were "extremely serious and very, very grave".

"Could I say it is the fundamental duty of the state to protect the children of the state, and irrespective of the complexity, acuity or severity of any particular case, that duty has to be fulfilled, and on this occasion, that duty was not fulfilled," he said on Tuesday.

"A review will take place and the Minister for Children has asked for an interim report, certainly within six weeks."

The Taoiseach said he had to be careful because of the "live" court proceedings.

"A person has been arrested in respect of the alleged sexual assault of this 10-year-old girl, so I don't want to say anything that in any way compromises the conduct or the progressing of that case.

"Clearly, there has been failure here in terms of the state's obligation to protect this child."

He added: "I would acknowledge the concern, anger and worry of many people throughout the country at what (is) alleged to have transpired here.

"And the concerns are legitimate, and the concerns of people generally across the country and within the specific location are genuine, and I want to acknowledge that.

"We will put the full rigours of the state behind this case in all facets, in all respects."