A young woman and her friend were attacked by a man at a taxi rank in Cork city late on Saturday night.
The terrifying incident happened while the pair were waiting at the Grand Parade at around 1.20am.
They were approached by a man who is understood to have asked them if they wanted to go to a house party, Cork Beo reports.
When they refused, the man became violent and is alleged to have punched one of the young women in the face. The two women attempted to get away from the man but he followed them and attempted to assault the young woman again.
The area was busy at the time and passer-bys attempted to intervene. There was a Garda patrol car nearby and officers were quickly on the scene.
A spokesperson told CorkBeo; "Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault incident that occurred at approximately 1.20am on Sunday 1st March at Grand Parade, Cork City.
"A female in her early 20s received facial injuries during the incident. A man in his early 20s was arrested at the scene for Public Order Offences.
"Investigations are ongoing."
The young woman who was the victim of the assault was taken to CUH where she was treated for a suspected concussion and injuries to her face.
Her injuries are not believed to have been serious but she was badly shaken by the incident - as was her friend.
It has been a busy weekend for Gardai in Cork - on Sunday night at around 6.30pm, a bar worker in the Wetherspoons Pub on Paul Street - the Linen Weaver - was the victim of a stabbing assault.
The man in his 20s was taken to CUH and treated for stab wounds to the stomach but his injuries are not beleived to be life-threatening. A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and taken to the Bridewell Garda station.
