Three men questioned over sexual abuse and neglect of children released without charge

Gardaí investigating concerns that alleged victims were living in poor circumstances in extended family setting

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A stock picture of the Garda badge logo on Dublins Pearse Street Station. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday January 16, 2019. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The operation was the latest phase in an ongoing investigation by the Garda, which sources described as 'complex' and 'sensitive'. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Three people arrested in relation to the alleged sexual abuse and neglect of children have been released without charge.

The men – aged in their 30s, 40s and 50s – were arrested during a search at a property in Leinster on Monday.

The operation was the latest phase in an ongoing criminal investigation, which Garda sources have described as “complex” and “sensitive”.

The people who were allegedly the victims of neglect and sexual abuse have been relocated. Gardaí are investigating concerns the alleged victims were living in very poor circumstances in an extended family setting. It is suspected that some of the young members of the extended family network were sexually abused and neglected over a period of years.

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Investigators are also looking for links to the case of a vulnerable woman who was reported missing and has long been feared dead. The men detained for questioning were not interviewed about the missing woman as it is a separate inquiry.

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times