Gardai interview girl on Cork incident

Cork detectives were last night still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding an allegation of rape made by a 13-year…

Cork detectives were last night still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding an allegation of rape made by a 13-year-old girl in the city at the weekend.

The alleged victim told gardaí that she and a 17-year-old friend were attacked by a group of eight teenagers at around 10.15 p.m. on Saturday night as they walked along Little Hanover Street in the city.

It was alleged that the 13-year-old had been raped and a handbag stolen from the older girl.

A full technical examination of the alleged scene took place yesterday and the 13-year-old was interviewed by gardaí.

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A source said officers are now satisfied that a rape did not take place at the location.

However, they were still exploring the possibility that an "illegal act" involving the 13-year-old took place elsewhere.

Despite the fact the two girls said they were set upon by a group of up to eight male and female teenagers after leaving the Mardyke leisure complex, it is understood gardaí are not seeking such a group.

Conor Lally

Conor Lally

Conor Lally is Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times