ELEVEN PEOPLE WERE arrested this afternoon following an ‘unofficial sit-down protest’ against water charges on O’Connell Street.

Gardaí told TheJournal.ie that the 11 were arrested on public order offences.

A peaceful protest was held at the GPO earlier today with permission from the gardaí. The ‘Dublin Says No’ rally dispersed at the arranged time of 4pm.

However, a small group not connected with the official demonstration, decided to hold a sit-down protest after the main thoroughfare was reopened to traffic.

Gardaí attempted to remove the protesters, making the arrests as people refused to move.

It is understood that no batons or pepper spray were used by gardaí.

The group of 11 remains in custody.

Images: Sam Boal/Photocall