Man arrested over alleged assault on child in Dublin

A man has been arrested following an alleged assault of a girl in Dublin.

Gardai said they were investigating an incident in Saggart on Monday.

The alleged assault was reported in the area of the Citywest Hotel complex, which has been purchased by the Government for the accommodation of international protection applicants.

A man in his 30s has been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the Dublin region.

Under that legislation, he can be questioned for up to 24 hours.

A garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing.

The child and family agency Tusla has confirmed that the young girl had been volunteered to its care by her family in February.

It said she was living in a fully staffed, registered residential placement, provided by a funded partner in the community and voluntary sector.

In a statement, the agency added: “She absconded from staff whilst on a planned recreational trip with staff in the city centre.

“Staff immediately reported her missing to An Garda Siochana.

“She was later found to have returned to a relative’s home, again absconding from that house later in the evening.

“She remained in phone contact with staff but would not identify her precise location.

“She subsequently told staff that she had been involved in a serious incident.

“Staff did eventually ascertain her location through details she provided, and alerted AGS who did locate her.

“Our priority now is on supporting the young girl and her family and liaising with An Garda Siochana.”

An Garda Siochana also said there had been incorrect reports that the incident involved a fatal stabbing.