‘Definite line of inquiry’ in Charleville rape

Gardaí have made progress in the search for the culprit who carried out a vicious assault and rape of a teenage girl in Charleville last weekend.

Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry following the rape of the 17-year-old girl. The incident took place in Rathgoggin Middle, Charleville in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

It is understood that the girl was walking home on her own after attending a birthday party in the town when the incident occurred.

She was dragged to a green area close to a housing estate and subjected to a violent rape. She was also physically assaulted during the attack.

“For a young person of that age, it was an horrific ordeal to be put through,” said Supt Pat McCarthy of Mallow Garda Station.

“She was on the way home from the town — it was between 2am and 3am. We are still investigating it and hopefully there will developments shortly.

“It was very nasty and dreadful experience for such an innocent young girl.

“We are interviewing people and we are seeking witnesses to come forward. We have a number of statements taken.”

Family members of the young woman were concerned when she had not arrived home and went searching for her.

She was found in a distressed state and later taken to the Cork sexual assault treatment unit at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.

Gardaí carried out an examination of the area where the incident took place and have also looked at CCTV footage.

No arrests have been made so far but it is understood that investigating gardaí have a suspect in mind.

Anyone with information can contact Charleville garda station on 063 81222.