The main suspect in an investigation into an alleged rape of a girl (14), has been identified by gardai.
The suspect (17) is alleged to have had sex with the girl in the back of a van parked at the Crescent Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 25th. The girl has alleged that the rape took place after she willingly went with the older teenager to the van.
The alleged victim is believed to be from Limerick City while the main suspect is thought to be from the outskirts of the city.
It’s also understood that both parties had contacted one another via text messages prior to their meeting up.
Gardai are examining mobile phone records to see if there was prior contact between them.
The rape claim was first made when the girl told a friend shortly after the alleged incident.
The girl was then accompanied to Roxboro Road garda station by her parents where she made a formal complaint.
An independent witness has also given a statement to gardai.
The alleged victim has been examined at a sexual assault unit.
Gardai are also investigating whether or not the pair met up first online through social media web sites.
