Ballaghaderreen 'sex assault' between two teens - investigation 'harmed' by online misinformation

Gardai are investigating if a sexual assault took place between two underage teenagers in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.

Officers responding to an alleged trespass came upon the scene of where two children were alleged to be engaged in a sexual act at a premises on the Main Street of Ballaghadereen at 12:10am last Friday.

Sources say the alleged incident was interrupted by a third party and that when gardai arrived at the scene, the allegations were made to them.

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It is understood the alleged perpetrator of the assault is a legal resident of Ireland and is under the age of 18.

The alleged victim is an Irish citizen also under the age of 18 - and gardai have sought to speak with them.

Sources have stressed that the incident is a highly sensitive and complex one - that has not been helped by unfounded and complete misinformation spread on social media.

Sources say in particular, allegations spread widely on social media of a ‘gang rape’ in Ballaghaderreen have been harmful to the investigation and are completely false.

The incident also does not involve any asylum seeker or illegal immigrant, as has been suggested on social media by far-right agitators.

In a statement gardai confirmed an investigation. “Gardaí continue to investigate all circumstances around an alleged assault at Main Street, Ballaghaderreen at 12.10am on Friday, 1st November, 2024. An Garda Síochána does not comment on specifics of ongoing investigations,” a garda spokesman said.

In a new statement issued on Monday evening, gardai warned about misinformation in this case.

“All of the circumstances surrounding this alleged incident are under investigation, and we are aware of a significant degree of misinformation in circulation online. Please be aware that this investigation does not involve anyone seeking international protection.

“We are advising members of the public to also be mindful of the fact that those involved in this investigation are children as defined by the Children Act 2001,” they said.

It comes amid a candlelight peaceful protest of ‘Concerned Citizens’ on the streets of Ballaghaderreen that took place on Sunday.

Close to 500 people attended the protest - walking from the car-park at St. Nathy’s Cathedral to the local garda station.

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