Gardai have arrested a 17-year-old youth in Cork in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in the city on Christmas Eve.
The youth was arrested at his home on Cork's north side yesterday morning and brought to Gurranebraher Garda station for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He was released after six hours without charge. A Garda spokesman said a file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Gardai have hailed the arrest as a breakthrough in their investigation.
The attack occurred as the schoolgirl was walking home alone along Friar's Walk, from a disco in Cork city on Christmas Eve.