The 17 year old from Johnstown near Kilkenny was out for a walk yesterday when a man in his 40s attacked her in what appears to be a random attack metres from her home.
The man who is described as white, in his 40s and with an Irish accent. The man was wearing dark clothes and was carrying a sharp implement possibly a knife or scissors when he attacked the 17 year old girl.
The local girl engaged in a “brief struggle” with her assailant and was injured in the process.
She was taken to St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny where she received treatment for her injuries which as described as non-life threating as well as shock.
Gardaí have carried out an initial interview with the girl and are currently carrying out enquiries in the area.
The spokesperson for the Gardaí said “Gardaí are appealing for any person travelling on the R639 between Johsntown and The Gallops, Ballyspellan, between 11am and 12.15pm, particularly any person with video footage (dash cam or video device) to contact Kilkenny Gardaí at 056 7775000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
This incident occurred just two weeks after the murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23 year old school teacher in Tullamore County Offaly. An incident which shocked the country.