Football supporters blamed for city riot

The incident occurred at Bridge Street in Christchurch when dozens clashed shortly before midnight.

Witnesses described the scenes as frightening – with fighting and scuffles lasting for several minutes.

Bottles were used as weapons and the crowd only dispersed when garda cars arrived on the scene.

There were conflicting reports as to the size of the crowd, with some estimating upwards of 60 people were involved.

Polish-born Maciek Kalinski, a barman at the nearby Brazen Head pub, told the Irish Independent: “It was pretty bad. I have lived here for six years and I have never seen anything as bad before.”

Gardai were unable to say early this morning whether any arrests had been made.

There was also no firm information on the extent of any injuries suffered.