Gardaí are searching for a lone male who attacked a girl as she was jogging in a rural area of north Kilkenny on Monday.
The 17-year-old was subsequently treated for minor injuries. She is understood to have been badly shaken by the incident.
A large garda operation, involving a Garda Helicopter, took place around the small village of Johnstown, Co Kilkenny in an effort to apprehend the man.
“The male is best described, at this time, as a white male in his 40s with an Irish accent,” the Garda said in a statement.
It is understood he was wearing black at the time and fled after struggling briefly with the girl. The attack occurred on a rural laneway, known locally as Cullinanes Lane, just outside Johnstown village
Gardaí combed the surrounding fields and gathered CCTV evidence as well as conducting door-to-door inquires.
They have also conducted a preliminary interview with the teenager who is being treated “for shock and a physical injury (non-life threatening).”
Investigators are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“Gardaí are appealing for any person travelling on the R639 between Johnstown and The Gallops (a minor road also known locally as Cullinanes Lane), Ballyspellan between 11am and 12.15pm, particularly any person with any video footage (dashcam or other recording device) to contact Gardaí at Kilkenny at 056 7775000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station,” the Garda said in a statement.