Gardai urge caution as 'misinformation' is circulated online following assault incident

Gardaí have moved to dismiss comments circulating online relating to an alleged assault in County Roscommon last week.

In a post on social media this Monday evening, they say they are aware of "a significant degree of misinformation" regarding the incident.

In the message, posted on X, formerly Twitter, garda confirmed an investigation into the incident is ongoing. "Shortly after midnight on Friday, November 1, 2024, gardaí received a report of an alleged assault at a location in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.” 

The post, which has been closed to comments because of the ongoing investigation, adds: "Please be aware that this investigation does not involve anyone seeking international protection.  We are advising the public to also be mindful of the fact that those involved in this investigation are children as defined by the Children Act, 2001."

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Gardaí have also appealed to members of the public "to always independently verify the content published on social media and which may be shared with you through a direct messaging app".

No further details have been disclosed publicly regarding the incident.

However, a candlelight protest organised by the Ballaghaderreen Concerned Citizens group took place in Ballaghaderreen on Sunday evening.