Updated 20:45

ONE PERSON WAS assaulted at Naas Courthouse in Kildare today after an altercation between two prisoners in a holding cell, sources have said.

One source told TheJournal.ie that there are only two holding cells at the courthouse which means prisoners are often kept together in the one cell. When the altercation broke out, at around11.30am, staff at the courthouse were unable to intervene as they had no protection gear and gardaí were called in.

Another source said there were large numbers of gardaí and prison officers involved, including gardaí in riot gear.

The incident was reported as a ‘minor’ assault. No one was arrested and the injured party was not brought to hospital.

The Leinster Leader reported that a fire alarm went off during court sittings due to a minor fire at the courthouse around the same time.

Gardaí denied reports that gardaí wearing riot gear were deployed to the scene.

Naas courthouse is based on the town’s main street, and contains both a District and Circuit court.

- With additional reporting by Michelle Hennessy.

First published 17:29