FIVE TEENAGE BOYS who were arrested in connection with the assault of a teenage boy in Meath have all been released without charge.

A video of the attack has been circulating online.

Three teenagers arrested this morning were released without charge earlier this afternoon, while two more teenagers who were later arrested have been released without charge. 

A garda spokesperson said: “A file will be referred in the first instance for consideration for admission to the Juvenile Diversion Programme in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act, 2001.”

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the victim walking on a green area before he is struck by a number of individuals and knocked to the ground.

The victim of the assault was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on Monday afternoon to receive treatment for serious facial injuries. 

It is understood that the incident is being investigated as an assault but that a hate offence is an aggravating factor in the incident.   

A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána has appointed a Family Liaison Officer  and continues to liaise with the victim and the victim’s family.

“An Garda Síochána is aware of a video circulating on social media of this incident and out of respect for the victim in this case we would request that people refrain from sharing this video,” the spokesperson said.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any person with information on the assault to contact Navan Garda Station at 046 9079930, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.