Gardaí interview thirteen-year-old girl after alleged rape in Cork
The child and her 17-year-old friend claim they were set upon and robbed by a gang of up to eight boys and girls in a laneway in Cork city at around 10pm on Saturday.
It was initially reported the girl was allegedly raped on Little Hanover Street which links Washington Street to Sheares Street.
Gardaí last night said they were satisfied that no sexual offence took place on Little Hanover Street.
But a spokesman said gardaí were investigating whether an alleged sexual offence involving the girl took place elsewhere.
Gardaí are viewing video footage, which covers the full length of Little Hanover Street, in a bid to identify the youths allegedly involved.
A garda spokesman confirmed the two girls had spent Saturday evening playing bowling at the Mardyke leisure club on Little Hanover Street.
It’s understood the girls told gardaí two female members of the teenage gang stole their mobile phones. The 17-year-old girl is understood to have chased the two girls.
The remaining members of the gang are thought to have stayed behind. The 13-year-old said it was during this time that the alleged rape took place.
It is understood the girls alerted nearby Bridewell Garda Station. Officers began an immediate investigation.
The 13-year-old was brought to the Mercy Infirmary, where the sexual assault unit carried out a number of medical and forensic examinations.
A garda team began door-to-door enquiries on Little Hanover Street.
They also spoke to staff at the Mardyke club and a pub and an off-licence on the street.
A garda spokesman last night said they had spoken to a number of witnesses who were on the street at the time.
Detectives hope the six cameras covering the area in and around Little Hanover Street might help identify the members of the gang.
There are two commercial cameras on Little Hanover Streetone at either end, three on Washington Street and one on Sheares Street. Both streets are linked to Little Hanover Street.
Gardaí from the forensics bureau carried out a technical examination at the scene. No descriptions of the alleged attackers were available last night. Detectives are expected to make progress on establishing the facts of the matter today.
Gardaí have appealed to witnesses to contact the Bridewell station at 021-4270681.
