Five teenage boys have been interviewed by Gardaí in relation to an alleged sexual assault of a girl. 

The alleged incident took place in Dublin city centre and it is understood at least part of it was filmed. 

All those involved are in their early or mid teens.

On The Pat Kenny Show, Irish Times Crime Correspondent Conor Gallagher said the video is a key part of the Garda investigation. 

“The allegation is that the girl was sexually assaulted and fiercely sexually assaulted by some or all of this group of males,” he said. 

“Gardaí understand that at least part of this [alleged] assault was videoed on a mobile phone. 

“Gardaí have obtained this video and it's a key part of their investigation. 

“So, the latest development is that five young males were arrested on Tuesday.” 

Gardaí on patrol in Dublin city centre. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.

Following their arrest, the boys were interviewed by specialist Gardaí, alongside a solicitor and a responsible adult. 

All five have since been released and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. 

“The girl, we understand, does not recall much of the incident,” Mr Gallagher said. 

“So, this video is a key part of the investigation.” 

It is understood that the girl was sent a video of the alleged assault and afterward she informed someone close to her about the video and this led to a complaint to Gardaí. 

“The DPP will have to come back relatively quickly,” Mr Gallagher said. 

“There's regulations in place that cases involving children, particularly very, very serious cases, are fast-tracked, given the ages of people involved and sensitivities.” 

As children, the alleged victim and alleged perpetrators are all entitled to anonymity and there can be serious legal consequences for anyone convicted of naming them. 

Main image: Gardaí in Dublin city centre. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.