Irish police have arrested 34 people after stores were looted and vehicles were torched in Dublin following a stabbing.
The violence erupted on Thursday night after three children and a school care assistant were injured in a knife attack in the city center.
Police said that up to 500 people were involved in the rioting, which saw shops looted and cars and buses set on fire.
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar said that those involved in the rioting had brought shame on Ireland.
“The scenes of violence and vandalism witnessed in Dublin last night were utterly unacceptable and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
“Those involved brought shame on our city and our country. They do not represent the values of the vast majority of people in Dublin or Ireland.
“I want to assure the public that the Garda Síochána (Irish police force) is working to restore order and bring those responsible to justice.”
The violence began after rumors circulated that a foreign national was responsible for the attack outside the school.
Police said that the attacker is still at large and that they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The three children who were injured in the stabbing are all in a stable condition in hospital. The school care assistant is also in a stable condition.
The rioting has been condemned by politicians and community leaders in Dublin.
“This senseless violence has no place in our city,” said Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu.
“I urge everyone to come together and work towards a more peaceful and inclusive Dublin.”
The violence has also been condemned by the Irish Bishops’ Conference.
“We are deeply saddened by the violence that has erupted in Dublin,” said a statement from the conference.
“We urge all people to refrain from violence and to work towards a peaceful resolution to this situation.”
The violence is the worst seen in Dublin in recent years. It comes as the city is preparing to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.