Gardai probing a spate of attacks on sex workers recently are appealing for any victims to come forward.
Since the middle of October 2019, seven attacks have occurred across Ireland on sex workers who advertised sexual services on online sites, gardai said.
Detectives from the 'Operation Quest' team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau are in contact with local Detective Units over the assaults, which have been happening mostly in the Dublin area.
A Garda statement added: "Investigation into these attacks are at an advanced stage.
"The motive for these attacks appears to be monetary gain, although violence has been used and they have been terrifying incidents for the injured parties (female and male) involved.
"On each occasion an online appointment is made, but when the ‘client’ arrives the sex worker is attacked and robbed by a number of males.
"An Garda Siochana is working closely with all the injured parties involved in these incidents. We are treating these victims with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.
"An Garda Siochana is appealing to any sex worker who may have been subject to a similar attack to immediately report the incident. You will be treated confidentially with compassion and sensitivity.
"An Garda Siochana is appealing to any person with information on these callous, targeted attacks to please contact Gardai to assist in bringing these dangerous attackers to justice.
"An Garda Siochana can be contacted via the Garda Confidential Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
"A list of victim support groups are available through the Garda website at https://www.garda.ie/en/Victim-Services/Where-else-can-I-get-support-/Victim-Support-Services.html."
