Gardai are following a definite line of enquiry into an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in a playground.
And they believe her attacker was of a similar age rather than an adult.
A source said: “There’s been considerable progress made on the case.”
It is understood gardai are now investigating the possibility the incident was a serious sexual assault, not a rape.
A Garda probe was launched during the weekend into the attack in the Lowpark area of Charlestown, Co Mayo.
The 15-year-old had been with a friend on Saturday afternoon and media reports suggested they were approached by a number of males in a black car.
However, it is understood the group are all of a similar age and they are all known to one another.
They were also in each other’s company most of the day on Saturday and none of them were driving a vehicle.
It is also understood there are no adult males in a black car currently linked to the Garda investigation.
A forensic investigation took place on Sunday as officers combed the area for clues.
Gardai also urged any witnesses who were in the vicinity of the Square and/or Lowpark areas of Charlestown between 2pm and 8pm to contact them at Claremorris Garda station.
The investigation is ongoing and officers are grateful to the public for their help and assistance so far, however, it is understood no imminent arrests are expected.
A number of witnesses came forward with valuable information, which has allowed gardai to make good progress.
The community in Charlestown were floored by the reports of an alleged sexual assault on the teenage girl during the weekend.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Gerry Murray told the Irish Mirror yesterday: “We all hope the gardai are successful in their investigation. Our thoughts are with the victim.”
Anyone with information can contact gardai in Claremorris on 094 937 2080 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
