CLAIMS SPREAD BY anti-immigrant groups that asylum seekers or migrants had carried out an assault in Finglas last week are unfounded, and gardaí have clarified, in response to “a significant volume of misinformation and disinformation”, that they are not seeking such suspects.

One unfounded claim, which appeared on a Facebook post that was viewed more than 20,000 times, reads: “a young woman was raped and badly beaten by 2 illegal immigrants last week” in Finglas.

However, there is no evidence this is the case. While an alleged assault during the early hours of 27 January is being investigated, Gardaí have released a statement saying they have a definite line of inquiry. 

Gardaí said they wanted to speak to a taxi driver believed to have dropped a man and a women off in Finglas that morning to see if he has any information which would be useful to their investigation. 

The Gardaí also said that a “a significant volume of misinformation and disinformation” was circulating about the case.

“Investigating gardaí are looking to speak to a taxi driver who picked up a fare from a white man and white woman at around 1.30am,” the Garda statement said.

“Both passengers were driven from a location in Dublin’s south inner city and taken to Cappagh Road in Finglas, Dublin 11.

“The passengers in the vehicle are described as being a white woman, aged in her 20s and a white man, also aged in his 20s. The woman had blonde hair and was wearing high boots, a pink blazer and a black jacket. The man was of average height and build and was wearing a red top with blue jeans.

“No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing,” Gardaí said.

Gardai urged: “The taxi driver or anyone with information regarding this incident” to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 6667500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or “any Garda Station”.

The statement concluded: “An Garda Síochána is aware of a significant volume of misinformation and disinformation in circulation with regards to this ongoing investigation.

“For clarity, gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry and are not looking for anyone else at this time.”

Verdict

Claims that “illegal immigrants” were involved with a sexual assault in Finglas last week have no evidence to support them and contradict police statements on the subject.

As the case is ongoing, we find such claims UNPROVEN, which as per our verdict guide means there is not sufficient evidence available to support or refute the claim.

With reporting by Hayley Halpin and Daragh Brophy

The Journal’s FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network’s Code of Principles. You can read it here. For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader’s Guide here. You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here.