TWO youths are expected to appear in court in Dublin today on charges relating to the assault of a garda during widespread disturbances in Finglas on Friday night.
The disturbances, which involved more than 50 youths and mainly took place on Ratoath Road, were described by gardai in the area as "quite vicious".
Disturbances began just before midnight when two youths were seen trying to break into a car on the Ratoath Road.
When a garda attempted to question one of them, he wad set upon by at least half-a-dozen other youths. The mob ripped the garda's radio from him and used it to beat him over the head, according to a Garde spokesman.
The garda was released from hospital yesterday after being treated for multiple cuts and bruising.
After the assault, disturbances continued for another couple of hours and several shop fronts were rammed and set alight along Barry Avenue.
Gardai from other stations near Finglas had to be drafted in to help after several squad cars were rammed by joyriders.
When the disturbances petered out, gardai searched a number of houses and arrested two youths. Later gardai discovered a number of petrol bombs, which they believe were going to be used against them.
In a separate incident another garda was assaulted in Casement Park, Bray, after responding to an emergency call. The garda was taken to hospital after being bitten on the leg.