A Garda investigation is underway after a teenage girl was hospitalised following a suspected random attack in Co Kilkenny.
The teen, who is understood to be 17-years-old, was out walking in Johnstown when the incident occurred on Monday.
She was approached by a stranger, described as a man in his 40s with an Irish accent, and assaulted at around 12pm.
Sources say the young girl was attacked and that the man then fled the scene - and was seen running through a nearby field.
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene and the teenager was taken to St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny.
She is being treated for shock and minor injuries and has since been interviewed by gardai about the ordeal.
Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.
A spokesperson said: "Gardai in Kilkenny are investigating the circumstances of an incident between a teenage girl and an unknown male which took place near Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny today shortly after 12md.
"The girl was approached by the male and assaulted before the man left the scene.
"The teenage girl was taken to St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny and treated for shock and a physical injury (non-life threatening). Investigating Gardaí have carried out an initial interview with the girl.
"The male is best described, at this time, as a white male in his 40s with an Irish accent.
"Gardai continue to carry out enquiries and recover CCTV from the area.
"Gardai are appealing for any person travelling on the R639 between Johnstown and The Gallops (a minor road also known locally as Cullinanes Lane), Ballyspellan between 11am and 12.15pm, particularly any person with any video footage (dashcam or other recording device) to contact Gardaí at Kilkenny at 056 7775000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
