A teenager was allegedly assaulted and left with serious injuries at a beach in Co Kerry during the fine weather.
The incident took place at the popular resort spot Banna Beach near Tralee on Friday evening.
It is understood that a fight broke out among a group of men between 7.30pm and 8pm between the Roger Casement memorial and a car park near Banna beach.
During the altercation, a teenage boy received serious injuries to his face.
He was taken to University Hospital Kerry for treatment but was subsequently transferred to hospital in Cork where he underwent surgery.
Gardai are appealing for anyone with information on the attack to come forward.
Speaking to Radio Kerry, Garda Kathy Murphy asked for witnesses to contact Tralee garda station as the force is keen to track down the people responsible for the alleged assault.
"One of the teens was a male who received serious facial injuries and had to go to hospital for treatment," she said.
"He had to go to Cork for facial surgery and we would be very interested in tracking down the culprits in relation to this.
"We're appealing to any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, if anyone saw it or maybe witnessed a group of males that were hanging around, the Gardai in Tralee would like to hear from you."
In a statement, Gardai confirmed to the Irish Mirror that their investigation into the incident was continuing.
A spokesperson said: "Gardai are investigating an incident of assault that occurred on Banna Beach in Tralee, Co Kerry on 28th May 2021 at approximately 8pm.
"A male youth (teens) was taken to University Hospital Kerry for treatment of his injuries.
"Investigations are ongoing."
People with information are asked to contact Gardai in Tralee on (066) 710 2300.
