Gardai in Kerry have assured concerned members of the public that an incident believed by some to be an attempted kidnapping was actually only a public order offence, with no abduction attempt made.
Fears were growing in Killarney last week after rumours on social media of an attempted kidnapping in the area, the Killarney Advertiser reported.
But the incident has proved to be a classic case of misunderstanding, given that no suspicious approach or attempted abduction actually took place.
A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: "Gardaí arrested a man, aged in his 40s, under the Public Order Act in Killarney on November 13 at around 12 midday.
"He was charged and is due before the courts at a later date."
The clarification will doubtless come as a relief to members of the local community in Killarney, many of whom were left deeply concerned after reports that a man attempting to take "two little girls" was only scared off when a local man confronted him.
The Killarney Advertiser reported that the story amounted to a misunderstanding, with Killarney Superintendent Flor Murphy confirming that "there was nothing sinister in this matter.
"A man was arrested for a Public Order Offence for being intoxicated," the Superintendent added.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story here at Irishmirror.ie.
For the latest news and breaking news visit irishmirror.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter - the official Irish Mirror Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Sunday Mirror and irishmirror.ie.
You can also get in touch with us via our Instagram account.
