Gardaí: One report of assault in Ballymount, despite social-media reports of more

Dublin gardaí have appealed for information about a serious assault on a young woman in Ballymount - and say that despite media reports, they have no information about other assaults in the area.

The confirmed assault took place at Ballymount, Dublin 24 on Monday last at about 11.45am.

The victim, who is in her 20s, was approached and assaulted by a man while out walking in Ballymount Park. Following a struggle, the man escaped on foot in the direction of the M50.

The woman was taken by ambulance to Tallaght Hospital where she was treated for her injuries and has since been discharged.

The scene was technically examined and a number of statements have been taken by gardaí.

The man is described as being approximately 30 years of age, of average height and build, with short dark hair and was wearing a black leather jacket.

Gardaí are appealing, in particular, to motorists travelling on the M50 between Junction 10 Ballymount and Junction 9 Red Cow between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Monday and who may have noticed a man fitting the above description to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin garda station 01-6667600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

In a statement after reports of other assaults in the area, the Gardaí said: "At this point gardaí have no reports of any other similar incidents in the Tallaght/Clondalkin area.

"We are aware of rumours of other assaults on women in the Tallaght area that are currently circulating on social media. Some of these rumours have also unfortunately been reported as fact by some mainstream media.

"We have no information to indicate that any of these assaults took place or that any woman suffered the injuries reported.

"If anyone has information about any of the alleged incidents we would ask them to contact gardaí but in the meantime we are concerned that these rumours are causing unnecessary fear in the local community."