Gardaí investigate alleged sex assault of woman with special needs

Gardaí are investigating the alleged serious sexual assault of a woman with special needs who is believed to have been targeted after becoming separated from a woman who was accompanying her on Wednesday.

The incident is understood to have taken place in the area of Dublin’s South Circular Road during daylight hours.

A Garda spokesman confirmed that detectives in Kevin Street were investigating reports of an alleged assault in the Dublin 8 area.

Seperately, a source described the incident as “extremely sensitive” given the vulnerability of the victim who has been preliminarily interviewed.

It is understood she was out with the woman when they became separated. Gardai are investigating the belief she was then escorted to a nearby address where the assault took place.

Detectives are likely to focus on CCTV footage in the area and are seeking out witnesses.

“Obviously there is an urgency to get this person fast,” said a source.

Anyone with information can contact gardaí at Kevin Street station on (01) 666 9400 or on the garda confidential phone line at 1800 666 111.