An investigation is underway in Kinsale, Co Cork after a young woman was assaulted while out walking last night.

Gardai found the 18 year old woman in a semi-conscious state at Compass Quay after she had alerted a friend to say she thought she was being followed.

A search operation was mounted on foot of the call and the woman was found a short time later at around 10.30.

She was treated at Cork University Hospital and later discharged.

Gardai hope to interview her in more detail today about what exactly happened.

The location where the woman was found has been cordoned off and a technical examination of the scene will be carried out later.