Gardaí were sent to back up firefighters in the Cherry Orchard area of west Dublin last night.

The Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) was called after two vans were set alight in the Orchard Lawns area at around 8pm.

Gardaí dispersed a number of youths who had gathered nearby.

No injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan is calling on people to remain calm and look out for each other during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I would urge people to take a step back and call for calm and control in these difficult times,” he said.

“We are all in uncharted waters. I think people are a bit on edge at the moment.

“I would urge the young people to take a step back, look after each other; show support and solidarity for our neighbours and particularly those older people who are feeling fragile and infirm at this particular moment. Let’s think of them, let’s stick together.”

DFB officers put out the fires yesterday evening and the scene has been preserved for a technical examination.