GB News' Dougie Beattie speaks out after 'being attacked' by police: 'It was just so strange!'

Dougie described running battles in the streets that lasted well into the night.

Speaking on The People's Channel last nigh,t he said: "Tonight, thousands of people turned up and the Garda Síochána came out in force.

"They had water cannon, pepper spray, riot shields, dog units, and mounted units.

"But the riders retaliated with their own horse unit about 15 horses down the road, right through the middle of the Garda lines. From that point on, everything kicked off."

Dougie described being corralled into a side street as the unrest continued, with widespread damage to the area: "Roads were full of bottles and bricks. Streetlights and telephone boxes were damaged.

"Some houses lost electricity, and there’s even a gas leak because bricks were ripped from windows and used as missiles against the police.

"You move towards the police lane, stay close to the hedge, identify yourself as media, you shouldn’t have a problem. But we were pepper-sprayed and then openly attacked by the police.

"We were one of the only television media outlets covering this tonight, and it was strange that they decided to attack us."

Dougie said the most intense clashes were near the tram station area, with property damage including a half-burnt police vehicle and smoke rising from nearby streets.

"It's not going to calm down over the weekend," he warned.

"They need to try to de-escalate this rather than sending in more police for further confrontation."

In response to the "attack" on the GB News reporter An Garda Síochána said: "An Garda Síochána does not comment on operational matters.

"Any person who believes Gardaí have used excessive force in carrying out their duties can make a complaint to An Garda Síochána or to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman.

"If a complaint has been made to Fiosrú, then An Garda Síochána is not in a position to comment as it is now a matter for Fiosrú.

"In general, An Garda Síochána fully respects the rights and importance of journalists to report on matters in the public interest.

"An Garda Síochána has previously provided media with training courses in relation to safety at public order incidents.

"An Garda Síochána notes that reporters, crew and their editors have a responsibility to ensure their own safety while reporting from dynamic and evolving public order incidents, especially when in close proximity to the front line at such scenes of violence being perpetrated against members of An Garda Síochána."

In response to the protests, a statement from An Garda Siochana said: "This evening, members of An Garda Síochána on duty at a public gathering at Citywest were subjected to sustained levels of violence. This was not a peaceful protest. The violence exhibited was thuggery and an attempt to intimidate and injure.

"During the evening, there were sustained attacks on Garda Cordons, including physical violence, bricks thrown and fireworks discharged at Garda members and the arson of a Garda van. Bins with hundreds of used glass bottles in the area were emptied and contents used as missiles.

"Attempts to breach the Garda cordon were also made by charging the line with horse-drawn sulkies. Individuals were observed carrying implements such as garden forks and tools and damaging walls in the locality to obtain missiles.

"The Garda helicopter was targeted with lasers. One member of An Garda Síochána has received medical attention for a foot injury. 6 persons have been arrested, primarily for Public Order Offences.

"An Garda Síochána had a policing operation in place for this public gathering organised by disparate groups on social media, who stir up hatred and violence and encourage and entice others to get involved.

"Over the course of the evening, nearly 300 members of An Garda Síochána were on duty, including over 125 uniform members, 150 Public Order members, Water Cannon, Mounted Unit and Dog Unit supported by members in Air Support Unit and Regional Control rooms.

"Units across the Dublin Region were supported by colleagues from the Garda Eastern Region. An Garda Síochána Public Order Incident Command policy was implemented.

"Garda Public Order Units were deployed in full protective equipment and utilised Incapacitant spray to repel sustained physical attacks on Garda Lines. An investigation has been commenced and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed."

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