A man has been arrested after a large lorry crashed into the gates of the Russian embassy in Dublin.
The incident took place at about 13:30 local time on Monday at the embassy on Orwell Road in south Dublin, police confirmed.
Several protests against Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine have taken place outside the embassy in recent days.
Police have said the criminal damage was currently being investigated, with a barricade being temporarily erected outside.
The arrested man has been taken to Rathfarnham garda station, police added.
But despite the arrest, a spokeswoman to the embassy has hit out at Irish police, accusing them of standing “idle” as the incident took place.
Police continue to investigate the incident
Dominic McGrath
The statement read: “A large truck came over to the gates of the Embassy, pulled back and torn down the gates of the Embassy. The incident took place in the presence of Garda officers, who stood idle.
“The embassy strongly condemns this criminal act of insanity directed against peaceful diplomatic mission.
“The embassy views this incident as a clear and blatant violation of the Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic relations of 1961.
“The embassy is in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, demanding that the Irish authorities take comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of it’s staff and their family members.
“The incident is cause of extreme concern. We believe that no people of sound mind could support such senseless and barbaric actions.”
The lorry has since been towed away from the scene.
An eyewitness, John Nolan gave his account of the incident.
Mr Nolan said: “A truck drove by and he stopped at first and I thought he was looking for directions, but he then turned and engaged with us and he was very upset and intense about the pictures of the family in Ukraine that were wiped out.
“He asked us to stand back. The man made sure there was no one standing in front of the gate.
“He reversed at speed into the gates. I presume the barrier is a temporary measure. It’s looks a bit overkill.
“We are protesting that our government should have thrown these thugs out of the country.
“This is not embassy in the strict sense of the word. It is a cover for a serious spy centre.”