Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of rape by gardaí investigating alleged sexual attacks on three teenage girls in Courtown, Co Wexford
The four males, one adult and three juveniles, are being held in Garda stations in the south east.
The alleged incident took place on July 28th at 12.15am in the Burrow area of Courtown Harbour near Gorey in Co Wexford. The four are being held under section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1994.
A large number of youths had gathered in the Courtown Harbour area around the time of the alleged attack and were consuming significant quantities of alcohol, sources said.
This had hampered the initial inquiry, with some potential eye-witnesses giving investigators muddled or incomplete accounts of the night.
It is understood girls allege they were sexually assaulted and one of them was allegedly raped. The girls are aged between 14 and 17. They are from west Dublin and were in the Co Wexford town on holiday. Gardaí have obtained CCTV footage from the area .
It is believed the girls informed their parents of the alleged attack who then contacted gardaí and reported the allegation. The girls were examined and treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit .
Courtown is an area that is popular with tourists and young people due to its nearby beaches. Along with nearby Riverchapel, the village has had issues with antisocial behaviour and underage drinking in recent years.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone who was in the Burrow area after 10pm on July 28th to contact gardaí in Gorey on 053-943 0690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station.