A MAJOR probe has been launched after a Spanish student was tied up and repeatedly raped in a tent in Ringsend.
The 18-year-old was allegedly bound and raped near Pigeon House Road beside Sandymount Strand after she was lured there by a man she met in the city centre on Saturday night, in an attack gardai are describing as “horrendous”.
A 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack and held at Irishtown Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The alleged attacker, who is known to gardai, was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP. He is currently out on bail on other charges.
The student met a man in the city centre on Saturday night and he persuaded her to take the DART with him to Sandymount.
He then brought her to a green area near Pigeon House Road where he dragged her into a tent, tied her up and raped her at least five times during the night.
Sandymount Strand. Picture: Anthony McEvoy/Flickr
The girl then went to a local house and the attack was reported to Donnybrook Garda Station.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed to the Dublin Gazette that an investigation into the alleged incident is ongoing.
Detectives have conducted a forensic examination, collected CCTV footage and interviewed a number of people.
Local councillor Chris Andrews (SF) described the alleged attack as “horrifying”.
He said: “I have spoken with a number of local residents and it is horrifying what happened to that poor young girl.
“My thoughts are with her and her family and I hope she can find the strength to get through her ordeal.
“I have asked that the local Gardai in Irishtown make it a regular area for them to visit and increase visibility.”
It is understood that the victim’s family have arrived in Dublin after jetting in from Spain.
