DUBLIN, Oct 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Over 20 people were arrested on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters and police clashed for the second night in a row outside an asylum seeker hotel near Dublin, Irish authorities said.

Police said in a statement they had arrested 23 people after officers had bottles, bricks and fireworks launched at them at a protest outside the Citywest hotel in Saggart, southwest of the capital.

It followed at least six arrests after tensions flared at a protest at the same location on Tuesday night -- where a police van was also set on fire -- and the first protest, which passed off peacefully on Monday.

The protests were sparked by reports that a 26-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in the vicinity of the hotel was an asylum seeker. Authorities have not yet commented on the claim.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O'Callaghan condemned what he called the "thuggish violence" and said "more (arrests) will follow".

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin had condemned Tuesday's violent protests and "vile abuse" against police.

He also said the alleged assault against the child, who was in state care, was "extremely serious".

Ireland and the UK have seen rising anti-immigration sentiment in recent years, with hotels housing asylum seekers common flashpoints for protests and violent riots.

In June, dozens of officers were injured in anti-immigrant unrest in Northern Ireland after two teenagers were arrested and accused of attempting to rape a young girl in Ballymena.

Irish police said in a statement that Tuesday's unrest was orchestrated by groups on social media "who stir up hatred and violence".

On Wednesday, they said the "public disorder was predominantly carried out by young adult males and teenagers".

Two police officers were taken to the hospital after being struck in the head by a bottle and an arm injury, police said.