Six people have been arrested during a protest at a site earmarked to house asylum seekers in Ireland.

Gardai said officers came under attack after workers were brought onto the site in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, yesterday.

They suffered “verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated into rocks and other missiles being thrown this evening”, Gardaí said.

Fires were lit and an axe was found during the incident.

Officers were “forced to defend themselves” with incapacitant spray, helmets and shields.

Three patrol cars were also damaged.

Videos posted on social media show scuffles between officers and members of the public.

Irish PM Simon Harris apologises to families for their ‘living nightmare’ over Stardust nightclub fire

Ireland’s prime minister apologises to families of Stardust nightclub fire victims after ’emotional’ meeting

Bloody Sunday: No perjury charges for former soldiers or alleged IRA member

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Irish broadcaster RTE said protesters accused gardaí of using unnecessary force, and intimidating and aggressive tactics against a legitimate and peaceful protest.

According to RTE, there have been protests for the past six weeks at the site, known as Trudder House or River Lodge.

It is reportedly being considered as a site for 20 eight-person tents housing asylum seekers but some locals have said it is unsuitable and the village’s resources are already over-stretched.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Earlier this month, a small fire was lit on the site, which gardaí are still investigating.

Read more from Sky News:
Anger as Venice begins charging visitors to enter city
Dozens of whales die after 160 stranded in Australia

A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána respects the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights; this right does not extend to breaches of criminal law, the interference with the rights of other citizens to carry out their daily activities, or to attack members of An Garda Síochána.

“Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety, with enforcement as a last resort.

“An Garda Síochána is also aware of misinformation and disinformation being spread in relation to this ongoing incident.”

Related posts:

Thousands flee ash-covered communities after St Vincent volcano eruption British soldiers rush to aid baby in blistering heat at Kabul airport Dubai ruler ordered to pay record-breaking divorce settlement to ex-wife – including upkeep of UK mansions Brigitte Macron: France’s first lady ‘to sue over false Twitter rumours she was a man’ Nearly 100,000 back campaign to free British geologist facing death penalty in Iraq Lebanon banks held up by customers trying to draw their own money Uzbekistan links 18 child deaths to cough syrup from India Spain believed to have hit hottest April day ever Crocodile farmer torn to pieces after falling into reptile enclosure ‘Never again’: Child who was stuck on cable car describes ‘horrific’ moment line snapped New virus discovered in Pacific is deepest ever found in Earth’s oceans Seven killed as Pakistan launches airstrikes on Iran