Two boys aged 14 and 11 have been questioned by gardai in west Dublin about the abduction and assault of two seven-year-old boys, one of whom was sexually assaulted, writes Jim Cusack.
The incident happened in the Kilcarrig area last Sunday. The seven-year-old boys' parents found them in a distressed state. The boys were questioned by specialists with the Garda Sexual Assault Unit from Crumlin station. It is understood they said two older boys took their football and lured them to a bushy area.
They said their faces were pushed into the ground and they were made to walk through nettles. One boy said he was hung from a fence by his clothes, and the other said he was pushed into a hole he was told was a rat hole.
One boy said his clothing was removed. On examination in hospital he was found to have marks suggesting a sexual assault took place.
After inquiries gardai in Tallaght questioned two local youths. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.