Garda punched in the face during late night disturbances in Cork city centre

Gardaí have arrested and charged 16 people following what they say were a number of 'serious public order incidents' in Cork city.

The first of the incidents happened at around 10pm on Sunday with the disturbances continuing until the early hours of this Monday. 

"At approximately 10pm on Sunday, gardaí on beat patrol on Oliver Plunkett Street observed an injured man lying on the ground outside a premises. As gardaí were providing assistance to the male, a large group of people gathered on the street and became verbally and physically aggressive towards gardaí," said a spokesperson.

According to gardai, those present refused to disperse from the area and a number of additional garda units arrived to the scene to provide assistance.

"Incapacitant spray was used as part of an escalated response to the developing increasingly aggressive public order incidents. One garda member was pushed to the ground and another member was punched in the face during the incident.  Neither member required medical attention and remained on duty," added the spokesperson.

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A number of people gathered near Daunt Square shortly after midnight and again they were verbally and physically aggressive towards gardaí.

An investigation was launched and a total of 16 people were arrested in connection with the incidents. All 16 are due to appear before Cork District Court this Monday.