Two men held after alleged sex attacks on students

Gardaí in Co Donegal yesterday questioned two men about separate alleged sexual assaults during the weekend on students attending Gaeltacht summer schools.

Both assaults took place on Friday night about 10 miles apart, although gardaí do not believe there was any connection between them.

Parents have been in touch with authorities at Irish language colleges in the area inquiring about the safety of their children.

Gardaí investigating the alleged assault of a female Gaeltacht student in Derrybeg arrested a 17-year-old male from Gweedore yesterday.

The assault is said to have occurred while the student was attending a céilí in a GAA club near Derrybeg. The student, who was attending Coláiste an Phiarsaigh in Bun an Inbhir, was treated at Letterkenny General Hospital before being transferred to the Rotunda in Dublin.

Gardaí carried out an examination of the scene at the GAA club, which is used by the Irish language college. The 17-year-old was still being questioned last night.

Ten miles away at Loughanure, a local youth was arrested on Sunday night in relation to an alleged attack on a student.

The teenage girl, who was attending a summer course at Coláiste Mhuire, alleged she was sexually assaulted at a holiday home just 100 yards from where she was staying. The student had been making her way home at 9.30pm on Saturday when the alleged incident took place. Locals believe the holiday home was broken into prior to the attack.

A teenager was arrested and questioned for 12 hours in Letterkenny Garda station. He was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Authorities at Coláiste an Phiarsaigh in Bun an Inbhir last night said no students had been removed from the course as a result of the assault allegations.

A spokesman confirmed that parents had phoned inquiring about the safety of their children. He said every action had been taken to ensure the safety of children attending the college.

Coláiste Mhuire in Loughanure confirmed that gardaí are investigating an incident. The college declined to comment further.

In a separate incident, a 17-year-old was arrested at a house in Bunbeg early on Saturday following allegations that a child had been sexually assaulted.

The 17-year-old was taken to Letterkenny Garda station for questioning but was released later without charge.

A Garda spokesman said: "We are investigating a burglary and an incident, and will not say anything more on the matter. The family are very upset; you've got to understand that they are also victims in this."