Gardaí are investigating if an alleged rape in south inner-city Dublin is linked to the escape of a Cloverhill prisoner.

The alleged assault happened in The Liberties area on Monday night.

Gardaí have confirmed they are investigating an alleged sexual assault on Cork Street on Monday night.

It is reported the violent attack happened at an apartment at around 11.00pm.

It is believed the victim was threatened with a knife and leapt from the balcony to escape.

According to The Herald, a man who escaped from Cloverhill Court is suspected of carrying out the attack.

It is understood an inmate fled last week while being detained ahead of a court appearance and remains at large.

Cloverhill District Court is on the same grounds of Cloverhill Prison in west Dublin.