Gardai are investigating an alleged assault during which a boy was "doused in petrol" in a housing estate in Co Meath.
It's understood the boy was attacked by a man after he ran into a neighbour's garden to retrieve a football.
The man allegedly retrieved a bottle which he said contained petrol and "drenched" the child with it.
The middle-aged man then allegedly lit a match and threatened to set the child on fire, The Irish Daily Mail reports.
The alleged incident occurred in Bettystown last Wednesday evening at approximately 7pm.
It's understood that there is a history of arguments between the man involved and children in the neighbourhood over footballs being kicked into his garden.
A garda spokeswoman told The Irish Daily Mirror: "Gardaí in Laytown are investigating an alleged assault on a male youth that occurred 3 July 2019 at approximately 7pm in Bettystown, Meath.
"No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing."
