Protests have descended into riots into Dublin city with flares and fireworks let off at Gardaí.
It comes after three young children were injured in a stabbing outside a primary school in the city centre earlier.
It happened shortly after 1:30 pm this afternoon near Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East.
Gardaí with riot shields were brought in around O'Connell Street and Parnell Street amid anger following the attack which injured five people in total.
A car burns on Parnell Street in Dublin city as members of the Garda Public Order Unit set up cordons on O'Connell Street and Parnell Street, 23/11/2023. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieIn a statement this evening, President Michael D Higgins slammed groups attempting to use the attack to push an "agenda that attacks the principle of social inclusion".
"All of our thoughts are with each of the children and their families affected by today's horrific attack outside Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire in Dublin city centre," he said.
A car and two double-decker buses were set on fire, while a blaze also broke out inside a damaged Luas tram.
Members of the Garda Public Order Unit on O'Connell Street and Parnell Street in Dublin, 23/11/2023. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieLuas operator Transdev said the tram was stationary with no passengers or staff onboard.
It said all services have been suspended until tomorrow morning.
The company said there is also "significant damage" to the overhead power Lines on O'Connell Street.
The Garda Public Order Unit on O'Connell Street, 23/11/2023. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieDublin Bus services has said all its services have also been suspended in the capital.
Customers are being advised to check the Dublin Bus website or Twitter account for updated information.
The NBRU earlier advised its members to pull all buses back to their garages.
Members of the Garda Public Order Unit on O'Connell Street and Parnell Street in Dublin, 23/11/2023. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieThere were also reports of a fire earlier on the northern end of O'Connell Bridge.
Some shops in the area were said to have moved customers off the ground floor of their premises.
Footage has also been posted online showing looting at the Arnotts department store.
Rioters set fires in Dublin city, 23/11/2023. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieNewstalk reporter Barry Whyte saw looters at a Foot Locker shop, as well as damage to a JD Sports outlet.
"Gardaí and fire service being attacked by youths throwing bricks and bottles," he said on X.
"Buses, trams and cars set on fire. People looting shops. Law and order is gone."
Dublin City Centre is currently mayhem.
Gardai and fire service being attacked by youths throwing bricks and bottles. Buses, trams and cars set on fire. People looting shops.
Law and order is gone #dublinriots
@NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/CxSCxV4B5e— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) November 23, 2023
Gardaí have said the earlier stabbing is believed to be 'a standalone incident' and not connected to any wider issues.
They have also ruled out terrorism.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said earlier that speculation around the identity of the alleged attacker was unhelpful.
