Last night’s violence on the streets of Dublin City Centre was 'gratuitous thuggery' that had nothing whatsoever to do with the Parnell Square attack, Gardaí have said.

Calm has been restored to the streets of the capital after rioters attacked Gardaí, set fires and looted stores in an unprecedented night of violence for the city.

Cars and two double-decker buses were set on fire, with a Luas tram also set ablaze.

Meanwhile, looters destroyed shopfronts and broke into Footlocker, JD Sports and Arnotts.

In a special report for Newstalk last night, Chief reporter Barry Whyte said there was ‘complete chaos’ in the city, adding: “Law and order was completely gone”.

The cleanup is underway in Dublin this morning, with shops and emergency services left to pick up the pieces after a night of violence.https://t.co/n8iVo5aJ2m

📷 @BarryWhyte85 pic.twitter.com/GvzGBNe9o6

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 24, 2023

Speaking shortly after 11pm last night Garda Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin said the city had been calmed after hours of violence.

“This evening significant levels of public order criminal damage and violence was carried out by small groups of violent individuals in Dublin city centre,” he said.

“The violence had nothing whatsoever to do with the serious assault that occurred this afternoon on Parnell Square.

“It was gratuitous thuggery. Public transport was attacked as were Garda vehicles and some commercial premises were also damaged and attacked.”

A double decker bus and a car are set alight on the edge of O’Connell Bridge during riots in Dublin, 23-11-2023. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

He said no serious injuries were reported after the violent clashes.

“Some of my colleagues were also attacked and assaulted but thankfully again no serious reports of injury being sustained,” he said.

“An Garda Síochána responded to an evolving situation at its height involving 400 members of An Garda Síochána who remain on patrol in Dublin city centre.

“Dublin city centre DCC is now calm and returning to normal and we will continue to monitor the situation.

“I want to thank the public for their support and patience during this evening’s operation.”

Gardaí in Dublin city centre as rioter set fire and cause massive public damage, 23-11-2023. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

A five-year-old girl remains in a serious condition in hospital this morning after the stabbing attack outside Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East yesterday afternoon.

A woman in her 30s is also in a serious condition in hospital.

Two other children were also injured in the attack.

Gardaí were last night waiting to speak to a man who was being treated for injuries in hospital.

They are following a “definite line of inquiry” and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.

A car burns on Parnell Street as rioters cause chaos in Dublin city centre, 23-11-2023. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

In a statement last night, President Michael D Higgins slammed groups attempting to use the attack to push their own agenda.

“This appalling incident is a matter for the Gardaí and that it would be used or abused by groups with an agenda that attacks the principle of social inclusion is reprehensible and deserves condemnation by all those who believe in the rule of law and democracy,” he said.

Public transport is returning to normal today with Dublin Bus services back operating this morning.

The company is advising customers to expect delays and diversions this morning.